conservation

noun

con·​ser·​va·​tion ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce conservation (audio)
1
: a careful preservation and protection of something
especially : planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect
water conservation
wildlife conservation
2
: the preservation of a physical quantity during transformations or reactions
conservational adjective

Examples of conservation in a Sentence

They are trying to raise money for conservation. the conservation of the environment She specializes in the conservation of furniture. the conservation of religious shrines
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.
The data informs an Ecological Integrity Monitoring Program that shapes management decisions and conservation practices in the face of climate change and industrial development in areas bordering the park. Chloe Berge, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025 Park officials said the whale shark sighting was a positive sign for marine conservation efforts in the area. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2025 There is still a lot of color in New England’s trees, said Andy Finton, senior conservation ecologist with The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 Its blend of cinematic storytelling, global travel, and environmental education has introduced viewers to conservation efforts from the rainforests of Madagascar to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Okla Jones, Essence, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conservation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conservacioun "maintenance in good condition," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French conservacion "preservation, protection," borrowed from Latin conservātiōn-, conservātiō "action of keeping intact or unharmed, preservation," from conservāre "to save or keep from danger, preserve, keep unchanged" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at conserve entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conservation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Conservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conservation. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

conservation

noun
con·​ser·​va·​tion ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce conservation (audio)
: a careful preservation and protection of something
especially : planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, pollution, destruction, or neglect

More from Merriam-Webster on conservation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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