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

capitalized : 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

The ship would retrace the 19th-century journey of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who went in search of the most direct route to the Pacific from the Missouri River. —Becky Cooper, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2025

One of a cave explorer’s most essential items is, of course, a headlamp. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2025

Lindblad joined forces with National Geographic in 2004 providing guests with unique experiences, including immersive programs for photographers, young explorers and undersea enthusiasts, as well as opportunities to explore alongside the National Geographic Experts who join select voyages. —Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

The explorer John Wesley Powell thought the views from there were superior. —Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 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