preservative

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-və-tiv 

: having the power of preserving

preservative

2 of 2

noun

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving

specifically : an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage

Examples of preservative in a Sentence

Noun

This food does not contain any artificial preservatives.

The wood was treated with preservative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Chemists and beauty consumers alike started wondering if the recalls were indicative of something bigger—revealing the weakness of preservative systems found in some beauty products today. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 18 Oct. 2024

Limit on poison Sodium nitrite is a preservative used often used in curing meats. —Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 1 July 2024

Noun

Example: Paramour Elderflower Liqueur: With 60 calories per serving and an alcohol content of 14% ABV, this particular elderflower liqueur is small-batch distilled and free from artificial colors, flavors, sugars, preservatives and additives. —Rachel King, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Kura touts its preparation using high-quality ingredients free of artificial sweeteners, seasonings, preservatives and colorings. —Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

preservative

1 of 2 adjective

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-vət-iv 

: having the power of preserving

preservative

2 of 2 noun

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving

especially : a substance added to food to prevent spoiling or discoloring

Medical Definition

preservative

noun

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-vət-iv 

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving

specifically : an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage

a food preservative