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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The classic role-playing game gets a splashy blockbuster adaptation in this story of a band of adventurers who set out to retrieve a lost relic. Dallasnews.com Staff, Dallas News, 25 May 2023 So, whether your dog is a city dweller or an outdoor adventurer, give their paws the ultimate pampering with Ora's Amazing Herbal Pet Salve Dog Paw Balm. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2023 The keynote speaker will be adventurer Erik Weihenmayer, the only blind person in history to summit Mount Everest. Claire Law, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Apr. 2023 The marlin, which weighs 1,560 pounds, was caught in 1953 by Alfred Glassell, a millionaire oil tycoon, philanthropist by day and adventurer by night. Vicki Salemi, Chron, 18 Mar. 2023 This Bluetooth enabled device is ideal for the backcountry adventurer who plans to go deep and get out often. Maggie Slepian, Popular Mechanics, 13 Dec. 2022 Harrison Ford’s last go-round as Indiana Jones, the fifth film in the adventurer’s franchise, has revealed its first trailer and new title: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2022 Julie Kikla, Lake Tahoe adventurer and kombucha enthusiast, is one brewer who immediately understood the concept. Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 28 June 2022 Boasting the tallest steel ropes course on the Gulf Coast, adventurers are treated to sky-high views of beautiful Galveston Island. Gabi De La Rosa, Chron, 12 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adventurer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near adventurer

Cite this Entry

“Adventurer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventurer. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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