natural resource

noun

1
natural resources plural : industrial materials and capacities (such as mineral deposits and waterpower) supplied by nature
2

Examples of natural resource in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But is there an economic return on investment in scouring Earth's moon for that natural resource? Leonard David, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025 Armed conflict on the northern plains increased from the 1850s into the 1860s as white settlers crossed deep into Indian Country, claiming the land and natural resources of Native nations. Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 The state benefits from fertile soils, a subtropical-to-temperate climate, and abundant natural resources, all of which support a thriving agricultural industry. Atin Adhikari, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025 Corporate interests in the region often aim to quickly extract natural resources in a way that maximizes economic benefits without considering the effects on the environment and local populations, says Laura Furones, a senior adviser at Global Witness. Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for natural resource

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of natural resource was in 1776

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Cite this Entry

“Natural resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20resource. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

natural resource

noun
: something (as a mineral, waterpower source, forest, or kind of animal) that is found in nature and is valuable to humans (as in providing a source of energy, recreation, or scenic beauty)

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