tree-hugger

[ tree-huhg-er ]

noun

1. an environmentalist, especially one concerned with preserving forests.

tree-hugger

/ ˈtriːˌhʌɡə /

noun

1. informal.
   an environmental campaigner

Other Words From

• tree-hugging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tree-hugger¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Word History and Origins

Origin of tree-hugger¹

C20: from the tactic of embracing trees to prevent their being felled

Example Sentences

Make no mistake, however: Abramson was not your typical tree-hugger.

From Los Angeles Times

Simard didn’t exactly grow up a tree-hugger.

From Los Angeles Times

SJ Oh, a former bitcoin trader based in Hong Kong and a self-professed “tree-hugger”, was aware that his passion for the environment was somewhat at odds with his day job.

From Reuters

Joe Biden, hardly a rabid tree-hugger, has put environmental issues at the center of plans for his presidency.

From New York Times

“My own father called me a tree-hugger,” she noted.

From Washington Post