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

The people also involved have their livelihoods riding on your company, so give them the facts and a direction. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

In other words, for many who labor to care for our city’s neediest, this is a mission as much as a livelihood. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Its origins belong to southern Bangladesh, where coconut palms have been part of the area’s cuisine, culture and livelihoods for centuries. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

In January 2025, a devastating fire broke out at Ghana’s Kantamanto Market, burning around 60% of the market to ashes and wiping out thousands of livelihoods in the process. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 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