living
Usage
What are other ways to say living?
Living and livelihood (a somewhat more formal word), both refer to what one earns to keep (oneself) alive, but are seldom interchangeable within the same phrase: to earn one's living; to threaten one's livelihood. “To make a living” suggests making just enough to keep alive, and is particularly frequent in the negative: You cannot make a living out of that. “To make a livelihood out of something” suggests rather making a business of it: to make a livelihood out of knitting hats. Maintenance refers usually to what is spent for the living of another: to provide for the maintenance of someone. Maintenance occasionally refers to the allowance itself provided for livelihood: They are entitled to a maintenance from this estate.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gavilan collects cardboard and scrap metal for a living but it no longer puts food on the table.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
Several living areas offer guests the perfect place to lounge and come complete with multiple cozy fireplaces for the frigid New York winters.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
She came back about two years ago, opened the Angel Coffee House, and is living in her parents' house with her partner.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
He finds himself in the titular Lidsville, a land of living hats.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
Demons hate the living, they hate the brightness of the souls.’
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
