conservation

noun

con·​ser·​va·​tion ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce conservation (audio)
Synonyms of conservation
1
: a careful preservation and protection of something
especially : planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect
water conservation
wildlife conservation
2
: the preservation of a physical quantity during transformations or reactions
conservational
ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce conservation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of conservation

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Examples of conservation in a Sentence

They are trying to raise money for conservation. the conservation of the environment She specializes in the conservation of furniture. the conservation of religious shrines
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s sponsored by Izaak Walton Dolton, an environmental conservation organization. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 The 10-day event, part of an ongoing Everglades conservation effort, drew 907 participants from 30 states as well as Canada and Vietnam. — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 Their fossils can therefore help scientists predict what the climate might be like in the future through the field of conservation paleobiology, which uses evidence from prehistoric ecosystems to inform modern conservation efforts, Cruz said. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026 After conservation work is complete, the statue will go on view at Turkey’s Manisa Museum. — Brian Boucher For Artnet News, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conservation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conservacioun "maintenance in good condition," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French conservacion "preservation, protection," borrowed from Latin conservātiōn-, conservātiō "action of keeping intact or unharmed, preservation," from conservāre "to save or keep from danger, preserve, keep unchanged" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at conserve entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conservation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing conservation

Rhymes for conservation

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Browse Nearby Words

conservant
conservation
conservational
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Cite this Entry

“Conservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conservation. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

conservation

noun
con·​ser·​va·​tion ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce conservation (audio)
: a careful preservation and protection of something
especially : planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, pollution, destruction, or neglect

More from Merriam-Webster on conservation

Nglish: Translation of conservation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conservation

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