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

These and so many lesser red flags seem finally to be shifting public interest toward the preservation of wildlife and natural habitats.

—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

Synonyms

• care and feeding
• conservation
• conserving
• keep
• maintenance
• preserving
• sustentation
• upkeep

Examples 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

Touching the lives of each family member, services like egg freezing, genetic testing, LGBTQ+ fertility options, egg/embryo storage, IVF, and fertility preservation are offered. —Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024

Both lawmakers’ proposals would ask voters for more than $15 billion for programs related to clean energy projects, water quality and conservation, coastal preservation, wildfire prevention and more. —Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 4 June 2024

My dermatologist and esthetician have put together a thoughtful plan for skin preservation and skin cancer prevention, which has a lot to do with protecting my skin from harmful UV rays and sun exposure while adding the proper moisture and up-leveling my diet and exercise habits. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 29 May 2024

Most recently the duo purchased the former Highland United Methodist Church, 1140 Cherokee Road, with Rob's vision to turn it into a 26-room boutique hotel with preservation of the building’s exterior and sanctuary as a priority. —Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 9 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing preservation

• preservation order
• self-preservation
• state of preservation

Kids Definition

preservation

noun

pres·​er·​va·​tion

ˌprez-ər-ˈvā-shən

: a keeping from injury, loss, or decay