explorer

noun

ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplȯr-ər 

1

: one that explores

especially : a person who travels in search of geographical or scientific information

2

Explorer : a member of a coed scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America for young people ages 14 to 20 focusing on career awareness

Examples of explorer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Led by the University of California, Berkeley, a team of researchers will study the planet’s atmosphere — working to evaluate why Mars began to lose its once-dense atmosphere billions of years ago and assess radiation conditions for future explorers. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025

Any lander or explorer would have to contend with icy jets blasting into space, rapid changes in terrain, extremely low gravity, and a cryogenic environment. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025

This type of testing led to the creation of the Advanced Mountain Kit, a layering system that allows explorers to venture into the roughest terrain and remain protected and warm, Brown said. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025

In addition to being a fun way to spend an afternoon, these institutions can also help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for explorer

• restorer
• borer
• corer
• horror
• maurer
• scorer
• storer

Kids Definition

explorer

noun

ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplōr-ər 

-ˈsplȯr-

1

: one that explores

a vehicle called the lunar explorer

especially : a person who travels in search of new geographical or scientific information

2

capitalized : a member of the scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America for young people 14 to 20 years old

Medical Definition

explorer

noun

ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplōr-ər, -ˈsplȯr- 

: an instrument for exploring cavities especially in teeth : probe sense 1