livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)
Synonyms of livelihoodnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Oceanographic and meteorological processes fuel rich food webs that support tuna fisheries, ecotourism, and coastal livelihoods across multiple countries. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 But while scientists are warning that this could have incredibly damaging consequences for the natural world and the livelihoods of the people who rely on it, there are many who argue melting sea ice could also unlock a huge economic opportunity in terms of mining and shipping. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026 And on an individual level, the rapid expansion could take a toll on people's finances, health and livelihoods, said Maria Chavez, an energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists and author of the report. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 21 Jan. 2026 There, as Mixer’s series will explain, fame becomes both his shield and his livelihood. John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for livelihood

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of livelihood was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Livelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livelihood. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

livelihood

noun
live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on livelihood

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