adventurer

noun

ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rər How to pronounce adventurer (audio)
1
: someone who seeks dangerous or exciting experiences : a person who looks for adventures: such as
b
: one who engages in risky commercial enterprises for profit
2
somewhat old-fashioned : one who seeks unmerited wealth or position especially by playing on the credulity or prejudice of others

Examples of adventurer 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.
Often these stories are sad tales of adventurers suffering injuries or losing their lives. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 21 Feb. 2025 Along for the ride will be fellow adventurers Eric Philips of Australia, Jannicke Mikkelsen of Norway and Rabea Rogge of Germany. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2025 As the company continues to push the boundaries of human spaceflight, the participation of industry leaders, scientists, and adventurers highlights the growing intersection of technology, research, and private enterprise in the space industry. Valerie Stimac, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 For over a century, this exclusive society has served as a haven for those driven by an insatiable curiosity, where adventurers, scientists, and, yes, even billionaires converge to share tales of daring exploits and groundbreaking discoveries. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adventurer

Word History

Etymology

adventure entry 1 or adventure entry 2 + -er entry 2, probably after Middle French aventurier, adventurier

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adventurer was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Adventurer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventurer. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

adventurer

noun
ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rər How to pronounce adventurer (audio)
1
: a person who looks for adventures
2
: a person who tries to become wealthy or powerful by trickery

More from Merriam-Webster on adventurer

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