preservation

noun

pres·​er·​va·​tion ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən 

: the act, process, or result of preserving something: such as

a

: the activity or process of keeping something valued alive, intact, or free from damage or decay

preservation of state parks/monuments

preservation of an old tradition

The special emphasis of recent years on preservation continued in 1988. More than 8,000 brittle volumes (1.5 million pages) were committed to microfilm; an additional 777 rare books, manuscripts, and historical films received special conservation treatment.

—Library and Book Trade Almanac

These and so many lesser red flags seem finally to be shifting public interest toward the preservation of wildlife and natural habitats.

—E. Annie Proulx

b

: the preparation of food for future use (as by canning, pickling, or freezing) to prevent spoilage

the use of salt in the preservation of meat

In the years following the first Earth Day in 1970, a contingent of Americans insisted on developing pesticide-free systems of farming and anti-chemical methods of food preservation and preparation.

—Tibbett L. Speer

Synonyms

• preserving
• maintenance

Examples of preservation in a Sentence

each curator is responsible for the preservation of the works of art within his or her department

the preservation of the tropical rainforests is a global responsibility

Recent Examples on the Web

Likewise, an immigration system rooted in justice and the preservation of human rights is a necessity for that nation to show its conscience. —David Kay, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025

The measure encourages the preservation and rehabilitation of landmark commercial, industrial and income-producing, not-for-profit buildings. —Brian E. Clark, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025

Much of the attention surrounding the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act has been focused on its preservation of the first Trump presidency's tax breaks and changes to Medicaid and nutrition assistance, but the law has also delivered a significant update to the agricultural programs. —Arkansas Online, 17 Aug. 2025

They were created not only for survival but also for self-determination, cultural preservation, and freedom from white economic control. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 16 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing preservation

• preservation order
• self-preservation
• state of preservation

Rhymes for preservation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

preservation

noun

pres·​er·​va·​tion

ˌprez-ər-ˈvā-shən

: a keeping from injury, loss, or decay