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

Lisa Jhung writes about running and other outdoor sports and the gear that goes with them as a freelance writer and adventurer living in Boulder, Colorado. —Lisa Jhung, Outside, 11 Mar. 2026

The 825-acre property on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has welcomed adventurers since 1933. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 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, 10 Mar. 2026

For 42-year-old single woman and avid adventurer Esther Estepa, a seemingly chance encounter with a social media influencer during a trip to Spain cost her her life—and only her family could solve the case. —Samantha Bergeson, Time, 6 Mar. 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