rover

1 of 2

noun (1)

ro·​ver ˈrō-vər 

: pirate

rover

2 of 2

noun (2)

rov·​er ˈrō-vər 

1

: a random or long-distance mark in archery

—usually used in plural

2

: wanderer, roamer

3

: a player who is not assigned to a specific position on a team and who plays wherever needed

4

: a vehicle for exploring the surface of an extraterrestrial body (such as the moon or Mars)

Synonyms

Noun (2)

• drifter
• gadabout
• gypsy
• knockabout
• maunderer
• nomad
• rambler
• roamer
• stroller
• vagabond
• wanderer
• wayfarer

Examples of rover in a Sentence

Noun (2)

ever since he developed a strong case of wanderlust in college, he's been a rover

a story of the days when sea rovers plied the Caribbean

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These were scooped up by Curiosity using its robotic arm and manipulator and were then analyzed by the rover's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) and Tunable Laser Spectrometer (TLS) instruments. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2024

In 2019 the Chang’e 4 spacecraft landed on the far side of the moon and deployed a rover that today, more than five and a half years later, is still actively scrutinizing lunar geology, radiation and resources. —Thomas Zurbuchen, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024

In July the rover found another unusual Martian rock ringed with black and marked by distinctive white veins and dozens of tiny, bright spots. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

Other rovers have sent back images of the phenomenon in 2004 and 2016. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Middle Dutch, from roven to rob; akin to Old English rēafian to reave — more at reave

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rover

• sea rover

Kids Definition

rover

1 of 2 noun

ro·​ver ˈrō-vər 

: pirate entry 1

rover

2 of 2 noun

rov·​er ˈrō-vər 

: a person who roves around : roamer