natural resource

noun

1
natural resources plural : industrial materials and capacities (such as mineral deposits and waterpower) supplied by nature
2
: resource sense 1b

Examples of natural resource in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The act, adopted in 1970, has been credited for protecting California’s natural resources and minimizing pollution. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Jen Birchfield, natural resources planner for the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, oversees the CommuniTrees program, which has planted around 15,000 trees so far in Northwest Indiana. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 In fact, Tiffany’s record shows little concern for protecting natural resources and local control, or for restraining corporate power. — Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026 These older pines can withstand a fire that remains burning along the ground and stays out of the treetops, said Terry Auciello, natural resources supervisor with Jefferson County Parks and Open Space. — Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for natural resource

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of natural resource was in 1776

Browse Nearby Words

natural resin
natural resource
natural rubber
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Natural resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20resource. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

natural resource

noun
: something (as a mineral, waterpower source, forest, or kind of animal) that is found in nature and is valuable to humans (as in providing a source of energy, recreation, or scenic beauty)

More from Merriam-Webster on natural resource

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about natural resource

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