explorer

noun

ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplȯr-ər 

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

Spain’s history with Argentina goes back to Iberian explorers reaching what is now Buenos Aires in the 16th century, and links between the two countries remain huge. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Pitched with a single pole, the new Plex Solo Pro pulls out all the stops in furnishing backpackers and other deep-backcountry explorers with an ambitious blend of featherlight packability and camping convenience. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026

The four people on board—cryptocurrency investor Chun Wang, film maker Jannicke Mikkelsen, engineer Rabea Rogge and polar explorer Eric Philips—spent three and a half days orbiting Earth. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 15 July 2026

Nutritional counseling and psychological support are also available, and explorers can experience tapping, hypnosis, and singing bowl therapy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for explorer

• restorer
• borer
• corer
• horror
• maurer
• scorer
• storer

Kids Definition

explorer

noun

ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplōr-ər 

-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- 

: an instrument for exploring cavities especially in teeth : probe sense 1