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.
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, 13 Mar. 2025 The Tribe, often regarded as a movement, has created a vibrant space for Black travelers to share stories, insights, and resources, helping to build a global network of adventurers. Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 The sword easily transforms into a pick-axe with the push of a button, so little adventurers can transition from battling zombies to digging for diamonds. Anja Webb, Parents, 6 Mar. 2025 In return, the adventurer received the first Lhasa Apso dog that was brought to the U.S.) McFadden’s initial trek to Tibet with Holkar planted the seeds for the Sacred River Festival — to salute and preserve India’s rich musical and dance heritage, according to Olden. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 4 Mar. 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 18 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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