preservationist

noun pres·er·va·tion·ist \ ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nist \

|Updated on: 24 Jun 2018

Definition of preservationist

: one who advocates preservation (as of a biological species or a historical landmark)

See preservationist defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of preservationist from the Web

After hearing rumors that the building could be sold, Boesel and two other preservationists met last week with the property owner, an attorney named Philip Azar, to discuss options for maintaining the building.

— nancy sarnoff, Houston Chronicle, "Fears mount as rumors spread that Kirby Mansion close to sold," 20 June 2018
The Hayward preservationists have scheduled a meeting at 7:30 tomorrow night in Eugene at Agate Hall.

— ken goe, OregonLive.com, "Opponents of Hayward Field 2.0 haven't given up the fight: Oregon track & field rundown," 30 May 2018
Brownlow is the world’s pre-eminent silent-film historian, collector and preservationist.

— jessica zack, SFChronicle.com, "‘Indiana Jones of the cinema world’ coming to SF Silent Film Fest," 23 May 2018
While the church has pledged to preserve the historical integrity of the temple itself, preservationists are worried about the possible decimation of its surrounding neighborhood, which is designated as historic.

— lily altavena, azcentral, "As Mesa temple begins redevelopment, renters in Mormon church-owned homes asked to leave," 11 May 2018
Feibush’s attempt to find a new preservationist buyer also comes at a time when the city is mulling how to better preserve historic properties such as this one.

— caitlin mccabe, Philly.com, "After a months-long attempt to demolish a Bella Vista church, Ori Feibush searches for a preservationist to save it," 20 Apr. 2018
Whether the preservationists will prevail will likely be determined later this month when Aguilar reports a final decision on the property is expected.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Ulysses S. Grant’s 1849 Home in Detroit May Be Restored," 18 Apr. 2018
After a long and bitter fight, Dallas Morning News reports that preservationists were able to guilt Time Warner into not only sparing the rotting building, but to footing the bill for its relocation as well.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "The Blue House, One of Dallas’ Oldest Surviving Homes, Is Ready For Its New Life Just Two Blocks Away," 30 Mar. 2018
These young preservationists bought a historic house that came with an unusual caveat: Annual battle reenactments on the front lawn.

— stephanie farr, Philly.com, "Society Hill's 'Queen of Sushi' says she invented the Philadelphia roll | We the People," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preservationist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.