environmentalism

noun

en·​vi·​ron·​men·​tal·​ism in-ˌvī-rə(n)-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm 

-ˌvī(-ə)r(n)-

1

: a theory that views environment rather than heredity as the important factor in the development and especially the cultural and intellectual development of an individual or group

2

: advocacy of the preservation, restoration, or improvement of the natural environment

especially : the movement to control pollution

Examples of environmentalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Why National Pride Could Make or Break Climate Action Nationalism and environmentalism have a history of pairing in dark ways. —JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024

According to a nationwide environmentalism study, Arizona only recycles about 17% of its waste. —Amanda Luberto, The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 2024

These cities also foster grassroots movements for social justice and environmentalism. —Kent E. Calder, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2021

Lady Bird Johnson also gets her due, with a First Lady's Gallery dedicated to her humanitarian work and causes close to her, like environmentalism. —Catherine Garcia, theweek, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing environmentalism

• anti-environmentalism

Kids Definition

environmentalism

noun

en·​vi·​ron·​men·​tal·​ism -ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm 

-ˌvī(-ə)rn-

: the act or process of preserving, restoring, or improving the natural environment

Medical Definition

environmentalism

noun

en·​vi·​ron·​men·​tal·​ism -ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl-ˌiz-əm, -ˌvī(-ə)rn- 

: a theory that views environment rather than heredity as the important factor in the development and especially the cultural and intellectual development of an individual or group