rover

1 of 2

noun (1)

ro·ver ˈrō-vər

Synonyms of rover

: pirate

rover

2 of 2

noun (2)

rov·er ˈrō-vər

: a random or long-distance mark in archery

—usually plural

: wanderer, roamer

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

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

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

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.

Noun

This is farther than anything has ever traveled on the surface of another world, earning the rover the interplanetary driving record. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026 China’s space program has gathered fast momentum since its Tianwen-1 rover touchdown in 2021. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2026 The best interactive exhibits turn curiosity and fun into stealth learning, like a chance to control a Mars rover or practice repairing the Hubble Space Telescope. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 More landers, rovers and orbiters will follow, so many that by the time the first Artemis moonwalkers arrive, their moon car will already be there waiting for them, according to officials. — ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rover

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of rover was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rover. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

rover

noun (1)

noun (2)

Synonyms of rover

Examples of rover in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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rover

noun (1)

noun (2)

Synonyms of rover

Examples of rover in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing rover

Rhymes for rover

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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