livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)
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
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.
Business leaders face challenges, including the frantic need for speedy decision-making, unexpected market shifts, geopolitical volatility, internal mutinies, power plays and harrowing decisions that can hurt the livelihood of their teams by cutting jobs. Carlo Tortora Brayda, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 The sellers were the most afraid, afraid that eBay would cut off their livelihood or hurt them in some way. Marta Balaga, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025 Each of us can look around and see what is happening – people being stripped of their homes and livelihoods and some, even their honor. Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 Grant-management officers, who sign their name to awards, are too afraid, the official said, that violating the president’s wishes will mean losing their livelihood. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for livelihood

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Livelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livelihood. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

livelihood

noun
live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on livelihood

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!