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

This is a testament to the preservative power of his fitness regimen, strict sobriety, a vegetarian diet, and lots of hair dye. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025

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

Noun

We are surrounded by an endless number of food and beverage choices that contain numerous preservatives, carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

Some people may develop a sensitivity to certain fragrances, preservatives, or materials that may be more likely to trigger a flare-up. —Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 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