preservative

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-və-tiv 

: having the power of preserving

preservative

2 of 2

noun

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving

specifically : an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage

Examples of preservative in a Sentence

Noun

This food does not contain any artificial preservatives.

The wood was treated with preservative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Formaldehyde is a preservative and known carcinogen. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025

Most embalming techniques involve opening the body to insert preservative materials. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025

Noun

In particular, the two have blamed the mercury-containing vaccine preservative, thimerosal, despite numerous studies finding no link. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025

High sugar content helps extend shelf life, with sugar as a natural preservative that inhibits the growth of microorganisms. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preservative

• conservative
• neoconservative

Kids Definition

preservative

1 of 2 adjective

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-vət-iv 

: having the power of preserving

preservative

2 of 2 noun

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving

especially : a substance added to food to prevent spoiling or discoloring

Medical Definition

preservative

noun

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-vət-iv 

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving

specifically : an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage

a food preservative