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

Example Sentences Phrases Containing environmentalism Learn More About environmentalism

Examples of environmentalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But activists from India to Ecuador show how feminist environmentalism could be used to build solidarity in the face of the climate crisis. — Eleanor Cummins, The New Republic, 31 Mar. 2022 Rachel Carson’s classic best seller about ecological threats, Silent Spring, started a wave of American environmentalism. — Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2022 The law was born when environmentalism focused on stopping projects that had run roughshod over communities. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2022 Well known for decades for its outspoken support of progressive causes and environmentalism, Patagonia in the past has brought unwanted attention to Facebook and Instagram and the Outdoor Retailer shows in Salt Lake City. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2021 Today, Black women are reshaping the future of environmentalism in every field, from ecology to fashion and beyond. — Leah Thomas, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2022 Perhaps the most relevant layer, right now, is the environmentalism. — Angela Watercutter, Wired, 7 Oct. 2021 Winners are chosen for their contributions to environmentalism, and awarded £1 million to continue their work. — Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Apr. 2022 Her commitment to environmentalism has influenced most aspects of her life, but particularly her understanding the fashion industry. — Vogue, 7 Apr. 2022 See More

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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environment

environmentalism

environmentalist

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Last Updated

25 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Environmentalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/environmentalism. Accessed 27 May. 2022.

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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