livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)
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.
Hidalgo-Monroy Wohlgemuth argues that, even with initiatives that offer farmers a livable income and pricing stability, such fair trade agreements aren’t a catch-all solution for rural livelihood development. JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025 Still, there is room for policy action to actually improve Nigerian livelihoods, particularly by solving food inflation. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Work gives us livelihoods, structure, and purpose. Jane Marie Chen, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 No doubt customer service, HR, and IT workers in the industry are wondering how their employers will respond—and whether their livelihoods are at risk. Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025 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 17 Oct. 2025.

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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