explorer

noun

ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplȯr-ər How to pronounce explorer (audio)
Synonyms of explorernext
1
: one that explores
especially : a person who travels in search of geographical or scientific information
2
Explorer : 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.
The documentary follows teams of National Geographic explorers investigating the ocean. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 Her confesson about Charles comes after other sources said the king was very concerned about his friend, English explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Oct. 2026 Analysts looked at 30 of the most popular Pokémon search terms that were selected using a keyword explorer tool, according to EsportsGG. — Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Not everyone wants to be an explorer, but for people who do, Mars is this incredibly intriguing target. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for explorer

See All Rhymes for explorer

Browse Nearby Words

explore
explorer
explorer tent
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Cite this Entry

“Explorer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explorer. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on explorer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for explorer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explorer

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