livelihood
Livelihood (noun) means a means of earning enough to live on, such as a job, trade, or income source. Example: “Fishing is the main livelihood for people in the village.”
How to use livelihood
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow someone earns the money they need to live.
Don't confuse with "lively" (energetic) — the words look similar but are unrelated in meaning.
Word forms
livelihoods plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Fishing is the main _____ for people in the village.
Etymology
From Old English līflād, literally "course of life," later reshaped under the influence of the word "lively."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for livelihood
See all rhymes for livelihood →Frequently asked questions
What does “livelihood” mean?
The word “livelihood” means a means of earning enough to live on, such as a job, trade, or income source. In plain terms, how someone earns the money they need to live.
How do you pronounce “livelihood”?
“Livelihood” is pronounced LYV-lee-huud (/ˈlaɪvlihʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “livelihood” in a sentence?
Here is “livelihood” used in a sentence: “Fishing is the main livelihood for people in the village.”
What part of speech is “livelihood”?
“Livelihood” is a noun.
Where does the word “livelihood” come from?
The word “livelihood” comes from Old English. From Old English līflād, literally "course of life," later reshaped under the influence of the word "lively.".
Is “livelihood” a common word?
“Livelihood” is an uncommon word in modern English.