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

More than a place to stay So, what exactly is a social club for an adventurer? —Cari Shane, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

Rugged Routes Calling all adventurers! —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025

The incident highlights the risks the world’s highest peak poses for the ever-growing number of mountaineers, adventurers and tourists who flock there. —Kaijing Xiao, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2025

Each year, Condé Nast Traveler puts out their annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey (this year, the 38th edition) for thousands of adventurers to vote on the best in travel, from airports to hotels to resorts. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 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