sustenance

noun

sus·​te·​nance ˈsə-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce sustenance (audio)
1
a
: means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : living
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

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
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.
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 Russia has turned to North Korea and Iran for sustenance, while Ukraine has turned to the West. David Brennan, ABC News, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sustenance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from sustenir

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sustenance was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sustenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustenance. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sustenance

noun
sus·​te·​nance ˈsəs-tə-nən(t)s How to pronounce sustenance (audio)
1
a
: means of support, maintenance, or existence
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

More from Merriam-Webster on sustenance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!