environmentalist

noun

en·​vi·​ron·​men·​tal·​ist in-ˌvī-rə(n)-ˈmen-tə-ləst How to pronounce environmentalist (audio)
-ˌvī(-ə)r(n)-
plural environmentalists
: an advocate of environmentalism : a person who is focused on the preservation, restoration, and improvement of the natural environment
While dams have been touted in the name of water conservation and clean, renewable energy, environmentalists have long challenged the claim that dams are "green" technology. The deleterious ecological impacts of dams, they insist, have been profound.Patrick Joseph
Meanwhile, environmentalists have responded that climate change and habitat loss due to development should require builders to think even more carefully about their projects.Emma Cotton et al.

Examples of environmentalist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But environmentalists and other stakeholders said giving too many concessions to fossil fuel interests would defeat the program’s purpose, which is to drive down emissions along a pathway consistent with what scientists say could preserve a recognizable climate. Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026 In the Appalachian region, which includes western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, environmentalists say about $10 billion is needed for mine reclamation. Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 26 May 2026 The decision has been criticized by some shareholders and environmentalists. Michelle Chapman, Fortune, 26 May 2026 The environmentalist emphasized that the growing abundance of deadstock and post-consumer textiles presents a significant opportunity for designers to rethink how garments are made and where materials come from. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for environmentalist

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of environmentalist was in 1903

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Cite this Entry

“Environmentalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/environmentalist. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

environmentalist

noun
en·​vi·​ron·​men·​tal·​ist -ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce environmentalist (audio)
-ˌvī(-ə)rn-
: a person concerned about environmental quality and especially with controlling pollution

Medical Definition

environmentalist

noun
en·​vi·​ron·​men·​tal·​ist -ᵊl-əst How to pronounce environmentalist (audio)
1
: an advocate of environmentalism
2
: one concerned about environmental quality especially of the human environment with respect to the control of pollution

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