stewardship

[stoo-erd-ship, styoo-]

noun

1. the position and duties of a steward, a person who acts as the surrogate of another or others, especially by managing property, financial affairs, an estate, etc.

2. the responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving.

   New regulatory changes will result in better stewardship of lands that are crucial for open space and wildlife habitat.

Other Word Forms

• understewardship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stewardship¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; steward + -ship

Example Sentences

The museum’s motto, “Discover the Past. Protect the Future,” emphasizes scientific understanding as a backdrop to environmental stewardship.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The study calls for immediate and coordinated action to reduce fire use, strengthen forest protection policies, and support local and Indigenous stewardship efforts.

Read more on Science Daily

Portsmouth were on the brink of bankruptcy when he bought them in 1999 before being revived under his stewardship in a pattern which would earn him a reputation as football's 'Mr Fixit'.

Read more on BBC

It is a unique grove, according to Blom, director of stewardship and restoration.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Although it returned, under new stewardship, it's a smaller, shorter festival, with fewer films.

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Related Words

• administration 
• care 
• control 
• governance 
• government 
• handling 
• operation 
• oversight 
• supervision