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.
Our hearts are with the families whose homes and livelihoods have been impacted. — Ava Berger, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026 For people whose livelihoods depend on deliveries, the questions run deeper. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Violence in the West Bank has surged in recent years as settlements have expanded, often backed by Israeli forces; attacks on farmers and communities who rely on the olive harvest for their livelihoods now come on a daily basis. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 Fort Lauderdale city officials are considering a plan to roll back bar closing times in the downtown entertainment area, a move that local business owners warn could severely impact their livelihoods. — Ted Scouten, CBS News, 22 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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