adventurer

noun

ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rər How to pronounce adventurer (audio)
1
: someone who seeks dangerous or exciting experiences : a person who looks for adventures: such as
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 Finland itineraries are among the company’s most popular destinations for solo adventurers. Katie Lockhart, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 From the low-top Agility Peak 5 Hiking Sneakers to the more robust MQM 3 Mid Gore-Tex Boots, there are on-sale shoes that will suit the needs of any outdoor adventurer. Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024 Mexico’s Baja Peninsula has attracted adventurers for decades—from sportfishermen who prize the big game in these waters to outdoor enthusiasts drawn by the rugged mountain and desert terrain. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 Victoria Park in Truro is open throughout all seasons and has an extensive trail system for all aged adventurers. Miriam Porter, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 This is why Armstrong would urge any adventurer to plan for not having cell service in case the worst happens, and be sure to have means of communication beyond a device reliant on standard cellphone connectivity. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2024 Travel is liberatory and can expose adventurers in cultural diversity and create educational experiences. Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024 This program caters to gap year programs after high school and mid-life adventurers and corporate volunteers. Melissa Klurman, Parents, 18 Jan. 2024 There's something for every type of tech lover, including coffee enthusiasts, bibliophiles, adventurers, and more. Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adventurer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near adventurer

Cite this Entry

“Adventurer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventurer. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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