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

In food and drinks, it’s often used as a thickener, preservative, and sugar substitute. —New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2025

The back of the device houses everything needed to create the foundation, including the preservative system, emulsions and pigments. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Noun

Weldon, 71, has promoted the idea that a once-common vaccine preservative has links to childhood autism. —Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025

Sulfites are chemicals commonly used as preservatives in food and beverages to prevent them from spoiling, according to the Cleveland Clinic. —Peter Burke, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preservative

• conservative
• neoconservative

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