natural resource

noun

1

natural resources plural : industrial materials and capacities (such as mineral deposits and waterpower) supplied by nature

2

: resource sense 1b

Examples of natural resource in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The agency is looking for scientists, budget analysts, technicians, inspectors, and a veterinarian to carry out its mission to protect the health, welfare, and value of America's plants, animals, and natural resources. —Andrea Hsu, NPR, 3 May 2025

And Montana, Minnesota and several other states followed Sax’s recommendation to pass laws or amend their state constitutions to impose broader obligations on states to protect natural resources. —Alexandra Klass, The Conversation, 2 May 2025

But others have seen the deal as the U.S. taking advantage of Ukraine’s reliance on American aid to win control of valuable natural resources, without offering strong guarantees in return. —Natasha Frost, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Most differentiate conservation as the wise use and stewardship of natural resources while environmentalism tends to focus on preservation with little to no use of resources. —Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

natural resource

noun

: something (as a mineral, waterpower source, forest, or kind of animal) that is found in nature and is valuable to humans (as in providing a source of energy, recreation, or scenic beauty)