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 theater district was one of the major engines of New York's tourism economy, supporting the restaurants, hotels, bars, shops, cab drivers, and thousands of workers whose livelihoods depended on people coming into Manhattan. — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

In background screening, this discipline is vital because our technology supports decisions that affect people’s livelihoods. — Tim Dowd, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Much of it can be subsistence looting, with people selling antiquities because their livelihoods have been disrupted by war. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

This campaign, now fueled by insatiable media coverage, remains at a fever pitch and has resulted in real life threats to his reputation, livelihood, and life. — Mike Toole, CBS News, 8 Sep. 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