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

That is dismissive of the workers whose livelihoods are at stake and overlooks why maintaining this workforce matters in the first place. — Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

The lost revenue is a concern for Shinya Sato, a grower in Japan’s central Yamanashi prefecture who depends on Shine Muscats and other grape varieties for his livelihood. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

The circus has given him a stage, a livelihood, and a way to turn his talent into work. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Dietary shifts could significantly cut emissions and free land for carbon sequestration although implementation must consider nutritional, cultural and livelihood constraints. — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2026

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