preservative

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-və-tiv 

: having the power of preserving

preservative

2 of 2

noun

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving

specifically : an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage

Examples of preservative in a Sentence

Noun

This food does not contain any artificial preservatives.

The wood was treated with preservative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But in 1999 the AAP recommended pausing the birth dose in babies born to mothers who tested negative for hepatitis B, because of concerns at the time about the vaccine preservative thimerosal. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026

Moonbowls also serves preservative-free and plant-based alternatives. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Noun

The changes target select artificial preservatives, colors, flavors and sweeteners across all Aldi-exclusive products. —New York Connect Team, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

The entire ash frame is dipped in preservative to prevent rot, ensuring the wood can last for 50 years. —New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preservative

• conservative
• neoconservative

Kids Definition

preservative

1 of 2 adjective

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-vət-iv 

: having the power of preserving

preservative

2 of 2 noun

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving

especially : a substance added to food to prevent spoiling or discoloring

Medical Definition

preservative

noun

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-vət-iv 

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving

specifically : an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage

a food preservative