livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d 

1

: means of support or subsistence (see subsistence sense 2)

The villagers' main livelihood is fishing.

2

obsolete : the quality or state of being lively

Examples of livelihood in a Sentence

Many fishermen believe that the new regulations threaten their livelihoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, though some have also turned to tourism as the region has become increasingly popular for outdoor activities like trekking and rafting – as well as for religious tourism. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

More than 63,000 glaciers in the area feed at least 10 major Asian river systems and support the food, water, energy and livelihood security of billions of people. — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Herding is a livelihood designed for high temperatures – the animals can be moved to where there’s food and water as needed. — Anne Pisor, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

Olney said Washington should help fund the humanitarian response, press Bangladesh to open livelihood opportunities for refugees, and get aid to Rakhine, including territory now held by the Arakan Army. — Lorcan Lovett, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English livelode course of life, from Old English līflād, from līf + lād course — more at lode

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for livelihood

• misunderstood
• unlikelihood
• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood

Kids Definition

livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d 

: living entry 2 sense 3