Search Dictionary
Definition of livelihood

livelihood

/ˈlaɪv.li.hʊd/
live · li · hood
Plural:livelihoods
JUMP TO:

livelihood Lexical Profile

livelihood Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A means of securing the necessities of life, especially through one's work or occupation.

Example

"Local fishermen depend on the health of the coral reef for their livelihood."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for livelihood
Antonyms
View all antonyms for livelihood

• Nearby Words

livebearer
liveblog
liveblogger
livelihood
liveliness
livelong
lively

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'liflad', meaning 'course or way of life', a compound of 'lif' (life) and 'lad' (way or course). In the 16th century, its spelling and pronunciation were altered under the influence of the adjective 'lively' and the suffix '-hood'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Livelihood. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/livelihood
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.