environmentalist

[ en-vahy-ruhn-men-tl-ist, -vahy-ern- ]

noun

1. an expert on environmental problems.
2. any person who advocates or works to protect the air, water, animals, plants, and other natural resources from pollution or its effects.
3. a person who believes that differences between individuals or groups, especially in moral and intellectual attributes, are predominantly determined by environmental factors, as surroundings, upbringing, or experience ( hereditarian ).

environmentalist

/ ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəlɪst /

noun

1. an adherent of environmentalism
2. a person who is concerned with the maintenance of ecological balance and the conservation of the environment
3. a person concerned with issues that affect the environment, such as pollution

Other Words From

• en·vi·ron·men·tal·ism noun
• an·ti·en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of environmentalist¹

First recorded in 1915–20; environmental ( def ) + -ist

Example Sentences

While environmentalists might despair that major climate legislation, such as economywide carbon pricing or a Green New Deal, isn't likely to pass, the new administration can still accomplish a lot.

From Washington Post

Several proposals for gold exploration just north of Yellowstone had sparked opposition from business owners and environmentalists as a threat to tourism and outdoor recreation.

From Washington Post

This week they were joined by Brazil—but the country’s plan is drawing fire from environmentalists and reviving thorny, unresolved problems from the Paris negotiations.

From Quartz

Wayan’s charisma is enough to power a full-length film, and his determined work as an environmentalist delivers an impactful message about personal action in the face of overwhelming problems.

From Outside Online

However, environmentalists noted, the swift sealing of drinking wells on the land purchased by Georgia Power will make it more difficult to establish such a link.

From ProPublica

Humans aside, of course, there are other concerns for Lowe, who describes herself as “kind of” an environmentalist.

From The Daily Beast

An environmentalist group wants hurricanes and storm systems named after politicians who adamantly deny global warming exists.

From The Daily Beast

Meisel is an EMT, an environmentalist, and an urban revivalist.

From The Daily Beast

And before you can say “Fuck for Forest,” the “environmentalist” is taking her from behind as two topless women film him.

From The Daily Beast

Ma Jun, a leading Chinese environmentalist, confirmed genuine changes appeared to be taking place.

From The Daily Beast

The budding young environmentalist I met this month, who joined me in exploring the Florida Everglades.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ecologist