living wage

noun

Synonyms of living wagenext
1
: a subsistence wage
2
: a wage sufficient to provide the necessities and comforts essential to an acceptable standard of living

Examples of living wage in a Sentence

He was barely earning a living wage.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another ongoing campaign calls for living wages for workers and alleges forced labor in the cotton industry. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 The announcement follows similar action taken by workers at various branches of the V&A Museum in London, who voted to strike over pay, working conditions, and the institution’s refusal to seek living wage accreditation. — News Desk, Artforum, 3 Aug. 2026 Maybe that means hiring full-time refs and paying them a living wage. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 Sea Rangers earn living wages beginning at roughly $17 an hour. — Richard Morgan, Time, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for living wage

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of living wage was in 1817

Rhymes for living wage

See All Rhymes for living wage

Browse Nearby Words

living unit
living wage
living will
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Living wage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/living%20wage. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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