stewardship
noun
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Good Stewardship
When stewardship first appeared in English during the Middle Ages, it functioned as a job description, denoting the office of a steward, or manager of a large household. Over the centuries, its range of reference spread to the oversight of law courts, employee unions, college dining halls, Masonic lodges, and many other organizations. In recent years, the long-established "management" sense of stewardship has evolved a positive meaning, “careful and responsible management.” This sense is commonly found nowadays in contexts such as “stewardship of the environment, the family business,” etc. It also occasionally appears as an adjective in phrases such as “stewardship fundraising" (that is, fundraising aimed at building good relationships with donors in order to keep them loyal).
Examples of stewardship in a Sentence
Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Under the stewardship of interim coach Tiago Splitter, the Blazers defeated the Golden State Warriors 139-119 while the Heat eased to a 146-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
The 6,713-acre high-country estate, previously owned by David and Paula Flitner, returns to the family under the stewardship of its next generation, Greg and Pam Flitner.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Donating to these organizations or joining one of their trail stewardship days can make a tangible difference.
—AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stewardship
Cite this Entry
“Stewardship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stewardship. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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stewardship
noun
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