environmentalist
noun
en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist
in-ˌvī-rə(n)-ˈmen-tə-ləst 
-ˌvī(-ə)r(n)-
plural environmentalists
: an advocate of environmentalism : a person who is focused on the preservation, restoration, and improvement of the natural environment
While dams have been touted in the name of water conservation and clean, renewable energy, environmentalists have long challenged the claim that dams are "green" technology. The deleterious ecological impacts of dams, they insist, have been profound.—
Patrick Joseph
Patrick JosephMeanwhile, environmentalists have responded that climate change and habitat loss due to development should require builders to think even more carefully about their projects.—Emma Cotton et al.
Emma Cotton et al.Examples of environmentalist in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Controlling the hippo population has been controversial among the government, environmentalists and residents.
—Carlie Procell, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Dozens of Floridians, including businesspeople, environmentalists and scientists, signed on to a letter opposing the legislation.
—ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
In a nod to the hotel’s backyard, a wall of fame steps off the lobby pays tribute to assorted legends of Ojai, including renowned mountaineer and environmentalist Rick Ridgeway, ceramicists Otto and Vivika Heino, and author Aldous Huxley.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Fierce opposition by farmers and environmentalists delayed the deal in December.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for environmentalist
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Carlie Procell, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Dozens of Floridians, including businesspeople, environmentalists and scientists, signed on to a letter opposing the legislation.
—ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
In a nod to the hotel’s backyard, a wall of fame steps off the lobby pays tribute to assorted legends of Ojai, including renowned mountaineer and environmentalist Rick Ridgeway, ceramicists Otto and Vivika Heino, and author Aldous Huxley.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Fierce opposition by farmers and environmentalists delayed the deal in December.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for environmentalist
Cite this Entry
“Environmentalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/environmentalist. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
environmentalist
noun
en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist
-ˌvī-rən-ˈment-ᵊl-əst
-ˌvī(-ə)rn-
: a person concerned about environmental quality and especially with controlling pollution
Medical Definition
environmentalist
noun
en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist
-ᵊl-əst
1
: an advocate of environmentalism
2
: one concerned about environmental quality especially of the human environment with respect to the control of pollution
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