adventurer

noun

ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rər How to pronounce adventurer (audio)
Synonyms of adventurernext
1
: someone who seeks dangerous or exciting experiences : a person who looks for adventures: such as
a
: soldier of fortune
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.
Whether your dad's an adventurer or casual explorer, this new slip-in style is a shoo-in to make your dad's Father's day — scratch that, his year. — Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 This smartwatch is for the off-grid athletes and adventurers, like many users who often gravitate toward Garmin wearables. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 1 July 2026 Yeti is relatively new to the backpack game, but its wide collection has quickly become a favorite among adventurers. — Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 Just like a certain adventurer with some mean, mean pride, Rush are currently embarking on their fiftieth anniversary tour, a prog-rock pilgrimage that will take them around the world and back for the next year. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 17 June 2026 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

Rhymes for adventurer

See All Rhymes for adventurer

Browse Nearby Words

adventure playground
adventurer
adventuresome
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adventurer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventurer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for adventurer

Nglish: Translation of adventurer for Spanish Speakers

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