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

This preservation of human elements in business communication may soon become an ethical choice and a competitive advantage. —Nathan Pettijohn, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Most of the issues centered on the preservation of the 1926 landmark. —Miami Herasld Archives, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025

Help promote sustainability by pitching in, connect with kindred spirits, and take steps to make a lasting impact on coastal preservation. —Lori Capullo, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025

Most are buildings or structures or historic districts that, once included, are eligible for tax credits and grants aimed at preservation. —Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2025

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