preserve

verb

pre·​serve pri-ˈzərv 

preserved; preserving

transitive verb

1

: to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction : protect

2

a

: to keep alive, intact, or free from decay

b

: maintain

3

a

: to keep or save from decomposition

b

: to can, pickle, or similarly prepare for future use

4

: to keep up and reserve for personal or special use

intransitive verb

1

: to make preserves

2

: to raise and protect game for purposes of sport

3

: to be able to be preserved (as by canning)

preservability

pri-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

preservable

pri-ˈzər-və-bəl 

adjective

preserver

pri-ˈzər-vər 

noun

Synonyms of preserve

• conserve
• maintain
• save
• protect

Examples of preserve in a Sentence

The fossil was well preserved.

These laws are intended to help preserve our natural resources.

They are fighting to preserve their rights as citizens.

The peaches are preserved in syrup.

Salt can be used to preserve meat.

Recent Examples on the Web

But environmentalists and other stakeholders said giving too many concessions to fossil fuel interests would defeat the program’s purpose, which is to drive down emissions along a pathway consistent with what scientists say could preserve a recognizable climate. —Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

The prominence of beef in Texas has also created a subindustry that showcases and preserves it, which is reflected in film and broader cultural storytelling about the state. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2026

The core of the building will be preserved, and the outside is getting a makeover. —Chase Jordan may 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026

Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism. —Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin praeservare, from Late Latin, to observe beforehand, from Latin prae- + servare to keep, guard, observe — more at conserve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing preserve

• game preserve
• nature preserve
• preserve the planet

Rhymes for preserve

• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• reserve
• subserve
• curve
• mirv
• nerve
• serve
• swerve
• verve

Kids Definition

preserve

1 of 2 verb

pre·​serve pri-ˈzərv 

preserved; preserving

1

: to keep or save from injury, loss, or ruin : protect

preserve the republic

2

: maintain sense 1, continue

preserve silence

3

: to prepare (as vegetables, fruits, or meats) to be kept for future use

preserver noun

preserve

2 of 2 noun

1

: fruit cooked in sugar or made into jams or jellies

strawberry preserves

2

: an area where natural resources (as fish, game, or trees) are protected

Medical Definition

preserve

transitive verb

pre·​serve pri-ˈzərv 

preserved; preserving

1

: to keep alive, intact, or free from decay

2

: to keep or save from decomposition

Legal Definition

preserve

transitive verb

pre·​serve pri-ˈzərv 

preserved; preserving

1

: to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction

expenses necessary to preserve the property

2

a

: to keep valid, intact, or in existence (as pending a proceeding)

the right of a trial by jury shall be preserved

—U.S. Constitution amend. VII

the dismissal of a chapter 7 case…reinstates certain transfers voided or preserved in the case

—J. H. Williamson

b

: to maintain for use or consideration at a later time especially by keeping a record of

deposed the witness to preserve her testimony

a party has the option of preserving the objection raised

—J. H. Friedenthal et al.

preservation

ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən 

noun