conservation

noun con·ser·va·tion \ ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən \

|Updated on: 7 Jul 2018

Examples: conservation in a Sentence

Definition of conservation

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

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conservational

play \ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See conservation defined for English-language learners

See conservation defined for kids

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 of conservation from the Web

Proponents say low-income residents still would reap benefits through new investments in their communities for conservation, solar, clean-energy as well as job training and other expenditures.

— hal bernton, The Seattle Times, "Fight heats up over Washington state carbon ‘fee’ likely to make fall ballot," 2 July 2018
The budget also sets aside about $100 million for the Florida Forever program for land conservation.

— elizabeth koh, miamiherald, "Most minors can't marry in Florida starting July 1. And there are 100+ other new laws.," 29 June 2018
But at a time when purchase of private land for conservation was still controversial in Alaska, the 1998 purchase was backed by an unusual range of supporters, from tourism groups to the Alaska Miners Association, Gibert said.

— tom kizzia, Anchorage Daily News, "Amid the ruins of the Kennecott mine, a quiet new look at a unique slice of history," 26 June 2018
With a focus on conservation, education and recreation, Washington Park Zoo exhibits more than 90 species originating from throughout the world.

— jessi virtusio, Post-Tribune, "Washington Park Zoo celebrates milestone of caring and conserving," 8 June 2018
Meghan opted for a halter-neck style from the designer whose best known for her eco-conscious production practices, an apropos fit for Harry and Meghan's passions for conservation and the environment.

— harper's bazaar staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "Brides Can Shop Meghan Markle's Bridal Styles Online–For Under $5,000," 19 May 2018
Described by the Australian government as the largest single investment for reef conservation and management in the country's history, the money will be used to improve water quality, control a major predator, and expand reef restoration.

— steve george, CNN, "Australia to invest millions in Great Barrier Reef restoration and protection," 30 Apr. 2018
Its smog became so notorious that the government picked it for a pilot program for energy conservation and zero emissions vehicles in 2009.

— Bloomberg.com, "Electric Buses Are Hurting the Oil Industry," 23 Apr. 2018
There’s also a long tradition of wildlife conservation.

— National Geographic, "Virunga National Park Sees Its Worst Violence in a Decade, Director Says," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'conservation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of conservation

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin conservation-, conservatio, from conservare — see ¹conserve

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

conservation Synonyms

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra

CONSERVATION Defined for English Language Learners

conservation

noun

Definition of conservation for English Language Learners

: the protection of animals, plants, and natural resources
: the careful use of natural resources (such as trees, oil, etc.) to prevent them from being lost or wasted
: the things that are done to keep works of art or things of historical importance in good condition