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

But at South Beach, there’s truly something for everyone, including kids, adventurers, and even fishermen, who have plenty of luck on the pier. — Savannah Born, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026

Where foreign adventurers once brought conflict to Costa Rica’s coast, a European countess left behind a sanctuary of profound peace. — Donna Hardie-Scott, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Dehydration is a major reason that adventurers out on a day hike need to be rescued. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

From antiquity to outer space, literature and film are filled with scrappy adventurers struggling to get home. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 14 July 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