environmentalism

noun

en·​vi·​ron·​men·​tal·​ism in-ˌvī-rə(n)-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce environmentalism (audio)
-ˌvī(-ə)r(n)-
1
: a theory that views environment rather than heredity as the important factor in the development and especially the cultural and intellectual development of an individual or group
2
: advocacy of the preservation, restoration, or improvement of the natural environment
especially : the movement to control pollution

Examples of environmentalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That finish incorporated not just local politics, corporate corruption and environmentalism, but resolving a separate cold case, a term with a double meaning given the chilly Alaskan surroundings. Brian Lowry, CNN, 18 Feb. 2024 López grew up in San Juan and spent the majority of her life there, so issues of colonialism and environmentalism are often in her thoughts. Seth Combs, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2024 There is a new generation of programmers and entrepreneurs coming online, focused on the selfless act of uplifting mental health, education, environmentalism and the foundational challenges affecting our global evolution (or lack thereof). Lyle Maxson, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2024 The authors accused ballot measure proponents of faux environmentalism. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2023 Seven Steeples by Sara Baume Jed S. Rakoff The Frontier Justice William O. Douglas was a strong advocate of conservation and environmentalism, but as a Supreme Court justice his involvement in such issues was often ethically questionable. Michael Hofmann, The New York Review of Books, 4 May 2023 On top of its visual accomplishments, the movie also became known for its messaging on environmentalism and imperialism. Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 2 Dec. 2023 Others have discerned the contemporary themes of conservation and environmentalism. Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2023 Fortune has published a new digital magazine covering all things Elon Musk, including his moonshot companies, his new AI project, and his strange relationship with environmentalism. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'environmentalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of environmentalism was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near environmentalism

Cite this Entry

“Environmentalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/environmentalism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

environmentalism

noun
en·​vi·​ron·​men·​tal·​ism -ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce environmentalism (audio)
-ˌvī(-ə)rn-
: the act or process of preserving, restoring, or improving the natural environment

Medical Definition

environmentalism

noun
en·​vi·​ron·​men·​tal·​ism -ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl-ˌiz-əm, -ˌvī(-ə)rn- How to pronounce environmentalism (audio)
: a theory that views environment rather than heredity as the important factor in the development and especially the cultural and intellectual development of an individual or group

More from Merriam-Webster on environmentalism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!