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

The people who can’t or won’t see the continuity in front of them have typically been European adventurers or armchair archeologists, busy spinning dismissive theories about the cultures of non-Europeans. —Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

The property is ideal for adventurers who want a camp-like experience without spending the night in a sleeping bag, and anyone who wants easy access to Grand Staircase National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park. —Jenny Willden, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026

For families and neighborhood adventurers, sledding became the main event. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026

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, 19 Jan. 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