conservationist

noun con·ser·va·tion·ist \ ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nist \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Definition of conservationist

: a person who advocates conservation especially of natural resources

See conservationist defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of conservationist from the Web

The finding is good news for conservationists and others concerned that climate change and habitat loss are going to speed up extinctions.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "How much space do you need to evolve a new mammal? These worm-eating mice have the answer," 15 May 2018
When conflicts over land management have arisen in the past, Dunbar says, ranchers, conservationists and officials have been able to sit down and work through their differences.

— kristi turnquist, OregonLive.com, "'No Man's Land: After the Siege' returns to Malheur refuge to ponder occupation's impact," 4 May 2018
In a courtroom bustling with conservationists and trade groups, the state argued that the measure would allow an unconstitutional appropriation of a state asset — water and land needed to protect salmon — putting at risk some development projects.

— alex demarban, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska Supreme Court weighs possibility of altering Yes for Salmon initiative before vote," 27 Apr. 2018
The commission’s staff will draw up regulations, and in such situations typically consults with various stakeholders, including shark fishing groups, conservationists and scientists.

— david fleshler, Sun-Sentinel.com, "State will crack down on shark fishing from the shore," 25 Apr. 2018
Now 19, the young conservationist and Dancing With the Stars winner is worth around $3 million, according to some estimates.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "Here's What Bindi Irwin, Steve Irwin's Teen Daughter, Is Up to Now," 19 Apr. 2018
Probably Never Heard Of 1 / 14 View Images Fenced Dilemma In a free-roaming area like Sabi Sands, conservationists and park staff want to keep the land as natural and human-free as possible.

— elaina zachos, National Geographic, "Exclusive: Fatal Disease Likely Found in Lion Cubs for First Time," 11 Apr. 2018
That has stoked concerns for both conservationists and Gov. Doug Ducey’s administration.

— dustin gardiner, azcentral, "Arizona aquifers are in trouble, but lawmakers want fewer rules for pumping groundwater," 4 Apr. 2018
In 2006, the couple traced Muir’s route, walking across their home state on a journey closely paralleled to that of California’s first conservationist and the founder of the Sierra Club.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "They followed Muir's footsteps across California, then found his words to describe it | The Sacramento Bee," 1 Apr. 2018

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

First Known Use of conservationist

1870

in the meaning defined above

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CONSERVATIONIST Defined for English Language Learners

conservationist

noun

Definition of conservationist for English Language Learners

: someone who works to protect animals, plants, and natural resources or to prevent the loss or waste of natural resources : a person who is involved in conservation