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 of sustenance

• 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

The goal is to provide the body with energy without causing blood sugar to spike—and, to eat something healthy that will provide sustenance without ruining our appetite for dinner. —Marie Bladt, Vogue, 15 Nov. 2025

Then, of course, there’s the question of food and sustenance. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025

Mousseau said feeding people is not only about providing sustenance but also an important part of tribal culture. —The Npr Network, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025

The Weld Food Bank serves 1,700 people a day through an emergency food box program and delivers sustenance to 600 homebound seniors every month. —Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 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