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.
From the extremely drab future of 2176, three adventurers are sent back in time to July 4, 1776 but mistakenly land in the year 1976. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 Hikers, climbers, skiers and outdoor adventurers err and put themselves in danger. Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 24 June 2025 The island is currently home to eight residential properties, seven of which are used as holiday lets, as well as the ruins of a castle built in the early 20th century by former owner George Buckley, a soldier and adventurer from New Zealand. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 24 June 2025 Her husband, a famous big-game hunter and adventurer, disappeared years ago in the Amazon. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 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 3 Jul. 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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