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

Along for the ride will be fellow adventurers Eric Philips of Australia, Jannicke Mikkelsen of Norway and Rabea Rogge of Germany. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026

For some, a day trip by minibus and camel is more than enough desert – but the true adventurer will want to seek out the untrodden sands of southern Algeria. —Henry Haselock, TheWeek, 27 Feb. 2026

Mount Everest blizzard of 1996 The dangers of attempting to summit Mount Everest are well-known but that doesn't deter adventurers from spending tens of thousands of dollars on mountain guides to conquer the world's tallest peak. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026

An adventurer, Harrison stowed away on a cruise ship bound for Waikiki, but was discovered and returned to the mainland. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026

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