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.
The land would then lie fallow until the next rainy season so elephants could graze without threatening the farmers' livelihood. Diaa Hadid, NPR, 16 May 2026 Around 1 in 6 working-age women across India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Pakistan use WhatsApp to support their livelihoods, the research from consultancy group Caribou found. Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 15 May 2026 And my livelihood, my career is coming up with stuff. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 Harriman recommends that actors license their likeness and voice to AI companies to protect their livelihoods. Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 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 17 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

livelihood

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

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