explorer

noun

ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplȯr-ər How to pronounce explorer (audio)
1
: one that explores
especially : a person who travels in search of geographical or scientific information
2
capitalized : a member of a coed scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America for young people ages 14 to 20 focusing on career awareness

Examples of explorer 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.
When Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto’s expedition entered the region in 1542, the Caddo's thriving communities dispersed along the Brazos, Trinity, Neches, Sabine, Red and Ouachita rivers. Erin Clack, People.com, 20 July 2025 French explorer Samuel de Champlain named the St. John River for St. John the Baptist from the Christian Bible in 1604. AFAR Media, 18 July 2025 Spanish explorers first brought mangoes to South America and Mexico in the 1600s, according to the National Mango Board. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025 The company takes intrepid explorers all over the world. Adil Ali, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for explorer

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of explorer was in 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Explorer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explorer. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

explorer

noun
ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplōr-ər How to pronounce explorer (audio)
-ˈsplȯr-
1
: one that explores
a vehicle called the lunar explorer
especially : a person who travels in search of new geographical or scientific information
2
capitalized : a member of the scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America for young people 14 to 20 years old

Medical Definition

explorer

noun
ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplōr-ər, -ˈsplȯr- How to pronounce explorer (audio)
: an instrument for exploring cavities especially in teeth : probe sense 1
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