environmentalist
noun
en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist
in-ˌvī-rə(n)-ˈmen-tə-ləst 
-ˌvī(-ə)r(n)-
plural environmentalists
: an advocate of environmentalism : a person who is focused on the preservation, restoration, and improvement of the natural environment
While dams have been touted in the name of water conservation and clean, renewable energy, environmentalists have long challenged the claim that dams are "green" technology. The deleterious ecological impacts of dams, they insist, have been profound.—
Patrick Joseph
Patrick JosephMeanwhile, environmentalists have responded that climate change and habitat loss due to development should require builders to think even more carefully about their projects.—Emma Cotton et al.
Emma Cotton et al.Examples of environmentalist in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
He has been known to hold exclusive parties at his 1,200-acre ranch in Aspen, Colorado — which used to belong, in part, to the musician (and environmentalist) John Denver.
—Alex Cuadros, ProPublica, 16 June 2026
The psychologist’s adult nephew has been recruited by an environmentalist who believes that the psychologist’s case files hold the key to saving the forest.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.
—Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Activist groups including environmentalists, feminists and foes of capitalism have called for a big demonstration later Sunday.
—ABC News, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for environmentalist
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.
Alex Cuadros, ProPublica, 16 June 2026
The psychologist’s adult nephew has been recruited by an environmentalist who believes that the psychologist’s case files hold the key to saving the forest.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.
—Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Activist groups including environmentalists, feminists and foes of capitalism have called for a big demonstration later Sunday.
—ABC News, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for environmentalist
Cite this Entry
“Environmentalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/environmentalist. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
environmentalist
noun
en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist
-ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl-əst
-ˌvī(-ə)rn-
: a person concerned about environmental quality and especially with controlling pollution
Medical Definition
environmentalist
noun
en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist
-ᵊl-əst
1
: an advocate of environmentalism
2
: one concerned about environmental quality especially of the human environment with respect to the control of pollution
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
