preservative

American  

[pri-zur-vuh-tiv] / prɪˈzɜr və tɪv /

noun

• preservatives
  plural

1. something that preserves or tends to preserve.

2. a chemical substance used to preserve foods or other organic materials from decomposition or fermentation.

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adjective

1. tending to preserve.

preservative British  

/ prɪˈzɜːvətɪv /

noun

1. something that preserves or tends to preserve, esp a chemical added to foods to inhibit decomposition

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adjective

1. tending or intended to preserve

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonpreservative
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• preservatives
  plural

Etymology

Origin of preservative

1350–1400; Middle English (adj. and noun) < Middle French preservatif (adj.) < Medieval Latin praeservātīvus. See preserve, -ative

Explanation

Anything that's preservative keeps things alive, healthy, or fresh. Some cooks swear by the preservative powers of lemon juice, which can keep fruit tasting fresh and save avocado slices from turning brown. Use preservative as an adjective — or a noun, for a chemical or other substance that keeps something from dying or breaking down. Food preservatives are sometimes added to make edible things last longer, and to items like medication and cosmetics, so they don't decay before you've finished using them. Preservative followed the verb preserve, which in the fourteenth century meant "to keep something safe."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preservative preservatives

Researchers then performed detailed assessments of the ingredients in those foods and beverages, including preservative additives.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2026

In 1941, the company purchased distilling facilities in Virginia and Lyons, N.Y., to increase production, then during the war it made pectin, a vital preservative used in military food rations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 10, 2026

Costco’s famed $4.99 rotisserie chicken is under fire in a proposed class action lawsuit claiming that the big box warehouse falsely advertised that its birds were preservative free.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 28, 2026

Possible steps include stricter limits on preservative use, clearer labeling, mandatory disclosure of additive content, and international monitoring efforts similar to those used for trans fatty acids and sodium.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 27, 2026

The cant of the ship made for hard pushing, but under their combined effort, the spool slowly rumbled forward, crunching over blistered preservative paint and loosened metal deck plates.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi

These products may contain ingredients including preservatives, artificial coloring, flavor enhancers, and emulsifiers.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026

Foods “cross into ultra-processed territory when they contain preservatives, flavorings and other food additives, or substances ... to enhance flavor and increase shelf life.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026

Participants with the highest intake of 'non-antioxidant' preservatives had a 29% higher risk of hypertension than those consuming the lowest amounts.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026

The research was observational, meaning it identified statistical associations rather than proving that preservatives were directly responsible for the increased risks.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026

Last week’s Thanksgiving was artificially sweetened, enriched with tense preservatives, and wrapped in plastic.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Related Words

• vinegar