livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)
Synonyms of livelihoodnext
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.
The organization’s focus areas are education, jobs and livelihood, and health—causes she’s cared about deeply since childhood. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 The driver asked to remain anonymous out of concerns for his livelihood. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Their livelihoods were at stake, and fashion companies like H&M that would have bought that cotton were left hanging. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026 Menin, who would be the first sitting City Council speaker to support the legislation, according to the Council, said the city must balance tradition with public safety and workers' livelihoods. — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for livelihood

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Browse Nearby Words

livelihead
livelihood
livelily
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Cite this Entry

“Livelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livelihood. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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