nature study

American  

noun

1. the study of plants and animals, especially by amateurs.

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nature study British  

noun

1. the study of the natural world, esp animals and plants, by direct observation at an elementary level

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Etymology

Origin of nature study

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

When does a delicate nature study become an entry in a corporate ledger of natural resources?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

There’s also the super-long 19mm eye relief, which makes the Leica bins ideal for people working in law enforcement, rescue, for military applications, or for nature study and/or photography.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2018

Several of the 2017 revivals are of one of Cunningham’s most poetic genres: the nature study.

From New York Times • Jan. 6, 2017

To many Calvinists, nature study had an aura of sanctity as a moral occupation for men, women, and children alike.

From Time • Jul. 5, 2015

Manual training and nature study, as a means to the appreciation of beautiful works of art and beautiful objects in nature, he would also approve.

From The Five Great Philosophies of Life by Hyde, William De Witt