national park

American  

noun

1. an area of scenic beauty, historical importance, or the like, owned and maintained by a national government for the use of the people.

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National Park ¹ British  

noun

1. a mountainous volcanic region in New Zealand, in the central North Island: ski resort

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national park ² British  

noun

1. an area of countryside for public use designated by a national government as being of notable scenic, environmental, or historical importance

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Etymology

Origin of national park

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Compare meaning

How does national-park compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• national monument vs. national park

Example Sentences

It opened to the public as a national park attraction the following year and was later designated a National Historic Landmark.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The 56-year-old -- known as "Dezi" -- escaped into a national park littered with disused mineshafts.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

"With expected house prices rising if this national park comes to fruition, those young people won't be able to afford it and they'll have to move out."

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Scientists fitted nine Bengal slow lorises with radio collars and followed their movements after releasing them into a national park in northeastern Bangladesh.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

It is possibly the most wonderful national park I have ever been in, and, considering the impossible and conflicting demands put on it, it is extremely well run.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• preserve
• reservation
• reserve