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

Numerous people rely on them for food, income and livelihoods. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Nov. 2025

Our voices and leadership are essential in the conversations that shape our livelihoods and the health of our ocean. —Camila Cáceres, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Earlier this year, county Mayor Daniella Levine Cava proposed cutting arts and cultural grants, affecting a large portion of Miami’s artistic population who make a livelihood from the arts. —Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025

This spring, when Veo 3 was released, Suerez—a content creator who does street interviews for TikTok—saw the technology as a direct threat to his livelihood. —Andrew R. Chow, Time, 18 Nov. 2025

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