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

See environmentalism defined for kids

Recent Examples of environmentalism from the Web

Perhaps the most revelatory sections are Eriksen’s book are those that trace the history that made consumer choice the center of gravity of American environmentalism.

— rachel riederer, New Republic, "Sailing to the Pacific Ocean’s Trash Vortex," 22 Aug. 2017
Bullard and others in his field have hosted conferences on climate change and environmentalism at historically black colleges.

— the new york times, NOLA.com, "On the sweltering Gulf coast, climate change is a workplace hazard," 5 Aug. 2017
For decades, Patagonia sought to demonstrate that profitability and environmentalism can go hand in hand—to show a better way by, for example, encouraging fair-trade practices in foreign factories.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "How Patagonia Continues to Operate As a Model of Responsible Capitalism," 27 July 2017
A Poway Girl Scout shared her love of environmentalism with hundreds of youngsters to achieve her childhood dream of earning her Gold Award.

— elizabeth marie himchak, Pomerado News, "Girl Scout achieves childhood dream by earning Gold Award," 21 July 2017
Many of them are eager for a spiritual cause and have responded warmly to Taoist leaders’ embrace of environmentalism.

— javier c. hernÁndez, New York Times, "China’s Religious Revival Fuels Environmental Activism," 12 July 2017
Environmentalism, at its heart, is about both people and places.

— jeff manning, OregonLive.com, "Stakes for Oregonians couldn't be higher as historic health care vote nears," 25 June 2017
In the 1992 interview, Carter described her environmentalism as a product of forward-looking, responsible governance.

— jeff weiner, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Vera Carter, 1st female Orange commissioner, dies at 86," 14 June 2017
Each year, Farm Aid serves as an annual gathering of activists focused on food issues, environmentalism and social-justice battles.

— thom duffy, Billboard, "Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson & The Avett Brothers to Join Willie Nelson & Friends at Farm Aid," 13 June 2017

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.

First Known Use of environmentalism

circa 1922

Medical Dictionary

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