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

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

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