sustenance

noun

sus·​te·​nance ˈsə-stə-nən(t)s 

1

a

: means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : living

b

: food, provisions

also : nourishment

2

a

: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained

b

: a supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life

3

: something that gives support, endurance, or strength

Synonyms

• food
• nourishment

Examples of sustenance in a Sentence

Tree bark provides deer with sustenance in periods of drought.

The village depends on the sea for sustenance.

She draws spiritual sustenance from daily church attendance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Not for sustenance, not for shelter, but for a popular toy: Labubu. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025

For in-flight sustenance, Manaker recommends packing wholesome snacks (think: nuts, seeds, and granola bars) to help maintain energy levels throughout the journey. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025

Stephen Glantz, 75, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with nine counts each of torturing, injuring or failing to provide necessary sustenance to an animal and neglect to impounded or confined animals, online records show. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025

The British working class established high tea as a quick sustenance after the workday ended, frequently occurring at pubs on high tables (hence the name). —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from sustenir

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sustenance

noun

sus·​te·​nance ˈsəs-tə-nən(t)s 

1

a

: means of support, maintenance, or existence

b

: nourishment sense 1

2

: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained

especially : a supplying with the necessities of life

3

: something that gives support, help, or strength