sustenance
noun
sus·te·nance
| \ ˈsə-stə-nən(t)s
\
\
Definition of sustenance
1a
: means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : living
2a
: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained
b
: a supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life
3
: something that gives support, endurance, or strength
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of sustenance in a Sentence
Tree bark provides deer with sustenance in periods of drought.
The village depends on the sea for sustenance.
She draws spiritual sustenance from daily church attendance.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Structure, sustenance If only learning to play the game were all these young men need. — Melanie Laughman, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati high school football coaches: 'It gets to your soul, the things you see'," 28 Aug. 2019 For decades its umbilical attachment to America has given it security and economic sustenance while allowing it to express its distinct diplomatic personality. — The Economist, "Foreign policyCanada is feeling lonely, but its place internationally is still strong," 25 July 2019 But algae also provide coral with their primary source of food and sustenance. — Michael Wilner, sun-sentinel.com, "Trump administration throws cold water on climate change threat to Florida’s coral reefs," 10 Aug. 2019 But algae also provide coral with their primary source of food and sustenance. — orlandosentinel.com, "Trump administration throws cold water on climate change threat to coral reefs in Florida," 9 Aug. 2019 Running around a stadium dressed as a seal requires sustenance. — Rachel Levin, SFChronicle.com, "The Usual: How Lou Seal became a staple at a San Francisco sandwich shop," 9 Aug. 2019 Yet this sweet and circular version of the American Dream offered hope and sustenance to thousands of donut-shop owners and their families. — The Economist, "How donuts fuelled the American Dream," 26 July 2019 Just a regular old kitchen in which those who are hungry can rummage in the fridge for sustenance. — Alexandra Lange, Curbed, "The Big Little Lie of the TV kitchen island," 1 Aug. 2019 African people have long hunted bats, monkeys, rats, snakes, and other wild animals for sustenance. — Jani Actman, National Geographic, "What is bushmeat?," 19 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sustenance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for sustenance
sustenance
noun
English Language Learners Definition of sustenance
formal
: something (such as food) that keeps someone or something alive
: something that gives support, help, or strength
See the full definition for sustenance in the English Language Learners Dictionary
sustenance
noun
sus·te·nance
| \ ˈsə-stə-nəns
\
\
Kids Definition of sustenance
2
: the act of supplying with the necessities of life
3
: support entry 2 sense 2
God is our sustenance in time of trouble.
Keep scrolling for more