preserve
verb
pre·serve
| \ pri-ˈzərv
\
\
preserved;
preserving
Definition of preserve
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction : protect
2a
: to keep alive, intact, or free from decay
b
: maintain
3a
: to keep or save from decomposition
b
: to can, pickle, or similarly prepare for future use
4
: to keep up and reserve for personal or special use
preserve
nounDefinition of preserve (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: fruit canned or made into jams or jellies or cooked whole or in large pieces in a syrup so as to keep its shape
—often used in plural
2
: an area restricted for the protection and preservation of natural resources (such as animals or plants)
a game preserve for regulated hunting or fishing nature preserves
3
: something regarded as reserved for certain persons
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Other Words from preserve
Verb
preservability
\ pri-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē
\
noun
\
noun
preservable
\ pri-ˈzər-və-bəl
\
adjective
\
adjective
preservation
\ ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən
\
noun
\
noun
preserver
\ pri-ˈzər-vər
\
noun
\
noun
Examples of preserve in a Sentence
Verb
The fossil was well preserved. These laws are intended to help preserve our natural resources. They are fighting to preserve their rights as citizens. The peaches are preserved in syrup. Salt can be used to preserve meat.Noun
a jar of strawberry preserve Game preserves allow only carefully controlled hunting and fishing. The military was once an all-male preserve.
Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
The Trump administration says the changes will make regulation more efficient and less burdensome while preserving protections for wildlife. — Fox News, "Trump overhauling enforcement of Endangered Species Act," 12 Aug. 2019 Bernardo included the Sikes residence, which has been preserved and dubbed the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, part of San Dieguito River Park. — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, Pomerado News, "Local historian pens book on area’s lost towns," 10 Aug. 2019 The design firm added modern touches while still preserving the history and charm of The Wauwinet. — Hannah Seligson, Town & Country, "The Best Room At... The Wauwinet," 9 Aug. 2019 Residents say the trees are part of what makes the tight-knit island charming and should be preserved. — Hillary Davis, Daily Pilot, "Newport Beach council to take a look at townhouse project proposed in Santa Ana Heights," 9 Aug. 2019 Too bad Jimmy Buffett can't save the day and preserve history for generations to come. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, "WATCH: Country Music Landmark Being Knocked Down for Margaritaville Atlanta," 3 Aug. 2019 Hundreds of thousands of indigenous people in more than 400 tribes also live in the Amazon, and rely on the rainforest to support their lives and preserve their cultures. — Zoë Schlanger, Quartz, "Amazon deforestation is accelerating under Bolsonaro, and scientists fear a tipping point," 27 July 2019 Richardson’s legacy today is a thriving community of Nicobarese lawyers, doctors, businessmen, and politicians who steer their people through the modern world while also preserving their culture. — Alex Perry, Outside Online, "The Last Days of John Allen Chau," 24 July 2019 Many Dunleavy supporters have applauded the budget vetoes, arguing they are needed to downsize government and bring spending in line with revenue, while preserving Permanent Fund payments to Alaskans. — Julia O'malley, Anchorage Daily News, "Dunleavy budget vetoes will mean a sharp increase in people living in camps and cars, service providers say," 20 July 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
And ever more are enjoying the experience—once the preserve of a metropolitan elite—of calm streets, squares and parks. — The Economist, "Streets ahead," 1 Aug. 2019 And if going a bit rogue, by adding zest, juice, booze, spice or fruity preserves to your cream or pudding, let your taste buds guide you. — Jessie Sheehan, Washington Post, "How to make an icebox cake, the coolest (literally!) no-bake dessert," 1 Aug. 2019 Additionally, much of the island is under land preserve to encourage conservation instead of overdevelopment. — Samantha Weiss Hills, Curbed, "Embracing indoor-outdoor living in the South Carolina marshlands," 29 July 2019 Quogue Wildlife Refuge, a 300-acre nonprofit nature preserve, was founded in 1934 and is home to various wildlife. — Janelle Griffith, NBC News, "One-winged bald eagle stolen from Long Island wildlife refuge, $12,500 reward offered," 21 July 2019 Florida created underwater archaeological preserves throughout the state. — John Christopher Fine, sun-sentinel.com, "SS Copenhagen shipwreck home to picture-perfect artificial reef," 18 July 2019 Now fully exposed, the fossil preserves in detail how Ambopteryx made its living. — National Geographic, "New species of bat-wing dinosaur discovered," 8 May 2019 The Gorilla Foundation said the 280-pound (127-kilogram) western lowland gorilla died in her sleep at the foundation's preserve in California's Santa Cruz mountains Tuesday. — Bloomberg.com, "Koko the Gorilla Used Smarts, Empathy to Help Change Views," 21 June 2018 Mustang, muscadine, concord and other thick-skinned grapes are better suited for jellies, jams and other forms of preserves. — Paul Stephen, ExpressNews.com, "How to celebrate the savory side of grapes and cook with them," 26 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preserve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for preserve
preserve
verb
English Language Learners Definition of preserve
(Entry 1 of 2)
: to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition
: to keep (something) safe from harm or loss
: to prevent (food) from decaying