environmentalism

noun

en·vi·ron·men·tal·ism | \ in-ˌvī-rə(n)-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm

, -ˌvī(-ə)r(n)- \

Definition of environmentalism

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 Sure, that’s a little cynical, but Earth Day promotions are often just ploys to sell more products, which seems counterintuitive to the first two of environmentalism’s Three Rs. — Ian Paul, PCWorld, "Logitech's new carbon labels show your mouse and keyboard's impact on the environment," 22 Apr. 2021 The ports’ ban was a bid to re-regulate the industry under the guise of environmentalism. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Stealthy ‘Healthy Ports’ Plan," 19 Apr. 2021 This brewing behemoth has been dedicated to environmentalism since its birth in 1991 in Ft Collins, Colorado. — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, "9 Environmentally Friendly Beers You Can Enjoy This Earth Day," 15 Apr. 2021 From election law to environmentalism to radical social agendas to the Second Amendment, parts of the private sector keep dabbling in behaving like a woke parallel government. — Jake Dima, Washington Examiner, "McConnell walks back comments warning corporations of 'consequences' over Georgia voting bill," 7 Apr. 2021 Born into a Jewish household, Mr. Friedlander became a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism and tried to apply its principles, particularly those of environmentalism and sustainability, to his work. — Sam Roberts, New York Times, "Michael Friedlander, Urban Architect of Offbeat Designs, Dies at 63," 1 Apr. 2021 Then environmentalism and sustainability programs and now leading up to diversity and inclusion as a component of ESG. — Todd Nelson, Star Tribune, "Ballard Spahr partner sees social issues increasingly influencing how businesses run," 7 Feb. 2021 David Barr Kirtley notes that her themes of environmentalism, social justice, and feminism have had a profound influence on generations of readers. — Geek's Guide To The Galaxy, WIRED, "‘The Dispossessed’ Is Still One of Sci-Fi’s Smartest Books," 2 Apr. 2021 Amid this turmoil, Lady Bird's ideas about her own work are changing -- what started as planting flowers in underserved D.C. neighborhoods is growing into an agenda that brings environmentalism and social justice together in America's cities. — Rick Klein, Averi Harper, ABC News, "Senate retirements open GOP to Trumpier future: The Note," 9 Mar. 2021

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

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Dictionary Entries near environmentalism

environmental resistance

environmental toxin

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Last Updated

1 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Environmentalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/environmentalism. Accessed 10 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for environmentalism

environmentalism

noun

en·vi·ron·men·tal·ism | \ -ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl-ˌiz-əm, -ˌvī(-ə)rn-

Medical Definition of environmentalism

: 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