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
Library and Book Trade AlmanacThese and so many lesser red flags seem finally to be shifting public interest toward the preservation of wildlife and natural habitats.—E. Annie Proulx
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
Tibbett L. SpeerExamples 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
From watershed preservation to infrastructure upgrades, the pair’s conversation dives into the strategic steps being taken to secure water quality and quantity for future generations.
—arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025
An ongoing preservation project undertaken by the Chicago Film Society has spurred a revival of interest in her work.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Where most luxury resorts seal guests off from such harrowing realities, this hotel has committed to being a partner in preservation.
—Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Residents of the historic neighborhoods surrounding the plaza, along with historic preservation advocates like Kimber Lanning, CEO of Local First Arizona, and Lauren Bailey, CEO of restaurant group Upward Projects encouraged Vintage to bring the center back to its 1955 condition.
—Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for preservation
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arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025
An ongoing preservation project undertaken by the Chicago Film Society has spurred a revival of interest in her work.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Where most luxury resorts seal guests off from such harrowing realities, this hotel has committed to being a partner in preservation.
—Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Residents of the historic neighborhoods surrounding the plaza, along with historic preservation advocates like Kimber Lanning, CEO of Local First Arizona, and Lauren Bailey, CEO of restaurant group Upward Projects encouraged Vintage to bring the center back to its 1955 condition.
—Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for preservation
Cite this Entry
“Preservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preservation. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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