discoverer

noun

dis·​cov·​er·​er -v(ə)rə(r) How to pronounce discoverer (audio)
plural -s
Synonyms of discoverernext
1
obsolete
a
b
: scout, spy
2
: one who first finds out the existence or truth of something hitherto unknown (as by exploration, experiment, research, reasoning)
3
: one that discovers a vein or lode and makes the first location thereon compare free miner, locator

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discoverer, discurer, from Old French descovreur, from descovrir + -eur -or

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of discoverer was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Discoverer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discoverer. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

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