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 There’s also a gentle reminder for cash or trash donations, which will help support the artists’ livelihoods or at least contribute to the next sculpture in the park. Jonah Gercke, SPIN, 15 Mar. 2024 More than 60% of India's 1.4 billion people depend on farming for their livelihoods. Rishi Lekhi and Ashok Sharma, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 In Malaysia and Indonesia, the prime minister and president said the livelihoods of their citizens were threatened. Patricia Cohen Jes Aznar, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The fires that have ravaged the Texas Panhandles are proving to be costly, not just financially for the state, but for the livelihoods of many. Li Cohen, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2024 With effective debt relief, the livelihood of our passions might finally be revived. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 In the Bay of Bengal, which borders several countries in South and Southeast Asia, El Niño often leads to marine heatwaves that can bleach and kill coral reefs that nearby communities rely on for their livelihoods and that provide a buffer against tropical storms. Justine Calma, The Verge, 29 Feb. 2024 Fewer people are simply inclined to book salon services now, making tips essential for the livelihood of many. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 In the process, a lot of them have developed major followings and even livelihoods by posting their renovations on social media. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'livelihood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near livelihood

Cite this Entry

“Livelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livelihood. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

livelihood

noun
live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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