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
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.
Wild Wadi makes visitors feel like adventurers and that theme is continued at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah next door. Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 What Wild Land packages standard with the Sky Rover is the type of simple urinal bag backpackers and other backcountry adventurers often carry. New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025 The Game of Thrones alumna trades her dagger for a pair of guns as adventurer Lara Croft in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Tomb Raider series adaptation. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 The project takes place over the course of a year, showing the preparation required for the arduous experience as the climbers train alongside such prominent figures as Free Solo subject Alex Honnold and renowned adventurer Philip Henderson. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Adventurer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventurer. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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

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