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

Sometimes the mineral is also added to foods as an additive or preservative and will show up on the food's Nutrition Facts Label when that's the case. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 June 2025

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

Noun

Phthalates, forever chemicals, flame retardants, bisphenols, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and certain pesticides are some of the culprits, but there are thousands in use that have never been carefully evaluated for their health effects, especially on infants and children. —Will Stone, NPR, 18 June 2025

The company removed artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives from its popular Kraft Mac and Cheese in 2016, and its Heinz Tomato Ketchup has never contained artificial dyes. —Karen Grossman, Southern Living, 17 June 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