raider

noun

raid·​er ˈrā-dər How to pronounce raider (audio)
: one that raids: such as
a
: a fast lightly armed ship operating against merchant shipping
b
: a soldier specially trained for close-range fighting
c
: one that attempts a usually hostile takeover of a business corporation
corporate raiders

Examples of raider in a Sentence

The village needs protection from enemy raiders. Raiders had emptied the tomb of treasure. He made his fortune as a corporate raider.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The show chronicles the rise of one of history’s most famous Norse raiders, Erik Bloodaxe, and his formidable wife, Gunnhild. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 June 2025 Most of the sailors on the Laurel declined to join the rechristened raider’s crew. Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025 In fact, by early 1965, The Beach Boys was one of the only American bands still holding its own against the pop-rock raiders from overseas. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 17 June 2025 Although best known for its 29 years as a federal penitentiary, the island of Alcatraz was also a military fort, used by the army during the Civil War to protect San Francisco from Confederate raiders. Louise McLoughlin, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for raider

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of raider was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Raider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raider. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

raider

noun
raid·​er
: one that attempts a usually hostile takeover of a business corporation compare white knight

More from Merriam-Webster on raider

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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