adventurer

noun

ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rər 

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

Even for adult adventurers, that type of knowledge is often hard-won over the course of many seasons—and sometimes close calls—in the mountains. —Zoe Gates, Outside Online, 27 Apr. 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration has also given out commercial astronaut wings to private-sector adventurers who reached higher than 81 kilometers (50 miles). —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025

The dog is not only a loyal companion, but also a vigilant protector and seasoned adventurer who can keep pace with horses. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025

Joining Wang for the voyage was Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, German robotics researcher Rabea Rogge and Australian adventurer Eric Philips. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for adventurer

• venturer

Kids Definition

adventurer

noun

ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rər 

1

: a person who looks for adventures

2

: a person who tries to become wealthy or powerful by trickery