national parkn.
/ˌnaʃn̩(ə)l ˈpɑːk/, /ˌnaʃən(ə)l ˈpɑːk/, U.S. /ˌnæʃən(ə)l ˈpɑrk/, /ˌnæʃn(ə)l ˈpɑrk/ Originally U.S.
An area of land set aside as national property in order to preserve the natural environment, for purposes of conservation, scientific study, or public recreation.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > place of amusement or entertainment > [noun] > pleasure-ground or playground > park
spring garden1612
parka1635
water park1714
summer garden1775
national park1851
Noah's Ark1924
parkette1945
the world > the earth > land > landscape > fertile land or place > parkland > [noun] > national
park1841
national park1851
parkland1957
1851 Cultivator June 217/2 He will perform this duty in such a manner as to render this National Park one of the most attractive objects at the seat of our National Capitol.
1866 N.Y. Times 22 June 1/2 Mr. Wade offered a resolution..for a National park, on which to erect a Presidential mansion.
1871 N. P. Langford in N.Y. Tribune 28 Jan. This new field of Wonders [sc. the Yellowstone Park] should be at once..set apart as a public National Park for the enjoyment of the American people for all time.
1933 Discovery Feb. 68/2 The creation of the great American national parks..has saved the bison from extinction.
1949 Act 12 & 13 Geo. VI c. 97 An Act to make provision for National Parks and the establishment of a National Parks Commission.
1962 Listener 1 Mar. 373/1 The Planning Board or committee in charge of a national park has a statutory duty..to ‘preserve and enhance’ the natural beauty of the landscape.
1999 N.Y. Times 3 Oct. v. 37/4 The glacier and lagoon are in a national park whose unique biosphere is recognized by Unesco.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1851