national park

noun

1. an area of scenic beauty, historical importance, or the like, owned and maintained by a national government for the use of the people.

National Park

¹

noun

1. a mountainous volcanic region in New Zealand, in the central North Island: ski resort

national park

²

noun

1. an area of countryside for public use designated by a national government as being of notable scenic, environmental, or historical importance

Word History and Origins

Origin of national park¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Visitor numbers at Joshua Tree have been among the fastest-growing for any national park.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

William Henry Jackson’s photos of scenic wonders like Yellowstone’s Old Faithful helped generate interest in a national park system.

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His photographs would help convince Congress to establish Yellowstone as America’s first national park.

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Personnel now absent from the national park include scientists, researchers, and the workers who run the entry gates, where ticket booths are now closed.

Read more on Barron's

Normally, Boone would be doing what national park rangers do everyday — protecting the park, helping visitors enjoy the outdoors, ensuring public safety and answering questions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• preserve 
• reservation 
• reserve