preservation
noun
pres·er·va·tion
ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən 
: the act, process, or result of preserving something: such as
a
: the activity or process of keeping something valued alive, intact, or free from damage or decay
preservation of state parks/monuments
preservation of an old tradition
The special emphasis of recent years on preservation continued in 1988. More than 8,000 brittle volumes (1.5 million pages) were committed to microfilm; an additional 777 rare books, manuscripts, and historical films received special conservation treatment.—
Library and Book Trade Almanac
Library and Book Trade AlmanacThese and so many lesser red flags seem finally to be shifting public interest toward the preservation of wildlife and natural habitats.—E. Annie Proulx
E. Annie Proulx
b
: the preparation of food for future use (as by canning, pickling, or freezing) to prevent spoilage
the use of salt in the preservation of meat
In the years following the first Earth Day in 1970, a contingent of Americans insisted on developing pesticide-free systems of farming and anti-chemical methods of food preservation and preparation.—Tibbett L. Speer
Tibbett L. SpeerExamples of preservation in a Sentence
each curator is responsible for the preservation of the works of art within his or her department
the preservation of the tropical rainforests is a global responsibility
Recent Examples on the Web
Mummification is the intentional or accidental preservation of a body after death.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
In recent years, policymakers in Europe and the United States have begun to encourage deadwood preservation—for instance, with forest management plans requiring that it be left alone.
—Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
With an impressive portfolio of vintage spirit, some of which goes back to the 1960s, the family name is synonymous with the preservation of this cultural symbol, something Helene Darroze has leant into throughout her career.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Santoni has also committed to the preservation of those values through the launch of the Accademia dell’Eccellenza, where young talent can learn learn centuries-old artisan techniques from master artisans.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preservation
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Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
In recent years, policymakers in Europe and the United States have begun to encourage deadwood preservation—for instance, with forest management plans requiring that it be left alone.
—Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
With an impressive portfolio of vintage spirit, some of which goes back to the 1960s, the family name is synonymous with the preservation of this cultural symbol, something Helene Darroze has leant into throughout her career.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Santoni has also committed to the preservation of those values through the launch of the Accademia dell’Eccellenza, where young talent can learn learn centuries-old artisan techniques from master artisans.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preservation
Cite this Entry
“Preservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preservation. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.
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