1. fruit cooked with sugar to prevent spoilage; jam
2. an area of land protected for wildlife or natural resources

1. to keep something in its original state or in good condition
2. to treat food to prevent it from decaying

Examples

• She spread strawberry preserves on her toast.
• The nature preserves protect endangered species.
• The museum preserves ancient artifacts for future generations.
• They preserve vegetables by canning them each summer.
• The old building preserves the architectural style of the 1800s.
• Hunters need permits to enter the wildlife preserves.
• Salt was used to preserve meat before refrigeration.
• The library preserves rare books in climate-controlled rooms.