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

In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the law creating the first national park—Yellowstone.

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It follows a series of blazes at Carrbridge and Dava in the Cairngorms national park, which landowners described as the biggest in living memory.

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Harper's Ferry, a national park and nearby tourist draw, has been kept open with state money.

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The national park, home to elephants, lions, hippos, leopards and many other animals, attracts almost a million visitors a year, and is a jewel in the crown of South Africa's tourism industry.

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SAN FRANCISCO—A closed national park is strange.

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Related Words

• preserve 
• reservation 
• reserve