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.
From inside a small submersible, the Chinese researchers saw many strange animals -- many believed to be new to science -- living off the whale carcasses.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
Residents living in these areas are advised to stay indoors where possible — especially people with respiratory or heart disease, elderly individuals and children.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
The five children have been living with their paternal grandfather in Jhelum since October 2023.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
Factoring in rent for a one-bedroom apartment and basic living expenses, the average cost of living for one senior is about $2,700 per month, the Senior Citizens League said.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
I crossed the room, hurrying toward our living quarters, my shoes crunching against the pale green shards.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
