conservationist

American  

[kon-ser-vey-shuh-nist] / ˌkɒn sərˈveɪ ʃə nɪst /

noun

1. a person who advocates or promotes conservation, especially of natural resources.

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conservationist British  

/ ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃənɪst /

noun

1. a person who advocates or strongly promotes preservation and careful management of natural resources and of the environment

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Other Word Forms

• anticonservationist noun
• proconservationist adjective

Etymology

Origin of conservationist

First recorded in 1865–70; conservation + -ist

Compare meaning

How does conservationist compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• conservationist vs. environmentalist

Example Sentences

Giant tortoises are roaming the Galápagos island of Floreana for the first time in more than 180 years, in what conservationists have called a "hugely significant milestone".

From BBC

Initially, the government said that would include the Martabe gold mine, which conservationists have regularly accused of environmental damage.

From Barron's

“I wouldn’t be a conservationist and coastal activist without having worked with Patricia and Mike and being infused with their passion,” said Dedina.

From Los Angeles Times

Scientists and conservationists believe the action was needed to give the iconic animals a chance at survival.

From Los Angeles Times

Farmers and conservationists are managing land in ways that support both wildlife and agriculture.

From BBC

Related Words

• environmentalist