natural resource

American  

noun

1. a naturally occurring source of wealth, as land or water.

2. natural resources, the natural wealth of a country, consisting of land, forests, mineral deposits, water, etc.

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natural resource Scientific  

1. Something, such as a forest, a mineral deposit, or fresh water, that is found in nature and is necessary or useful to humans.

2. See more at nonrenewable renewable

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Etymology

Origin of natural resource

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

They are looking to tighten control over natural resources as global demand for gold and critical minerals such as cobalt soars.

From Barron's

NRW is required by law to publish a report on the state of Wales' natural resources every five years.

From BBC

She primarily writes and produces pieces about geopolitical issues, from superpower showdowns and military conflicts to supply chain snarls and natural resource struggles.

From The Wall Street Journal

It has 140 million people, a $2.2 trillion economy, and vast natural resources.

From Barron's

Greenland is rich in natural resources, such as metals and other rare-earth minerals.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• raw material
• timber
• water