First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
sustenance
noun sus·te·nance \ˈsəs-tə-nən(t)s\
: something (such as food) that keeps someone or something alive
: something that gives support, help, or strength
Full Definition of SUSTENANCE
1
a : means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : living b : food, provisions; also : nourishment
2
a : 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
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Origin of SUSTENANCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from sustenir
Related to SUSTENANCE
- Synonyms
- aliment, food, nourishment, pabulum
SUSTENANCE Defined for Kids
sustenance
noun sus·te·nance \ˈsə-stə-nəns\
Definition of SUSTENANCE for Kids
1
: 2living 3, subsistence
2
: the act of supplying with the necessities of life
3
: 2support 2 <God is our sustenance in time of trouble.>
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