ranger

noun

rang·​er ˈrān-jər 

1

a

: the keeper of a British royal park or forest

b

: forest ranger

2

: one that ranges

3

a

: a member of an armed group who ranges over a region especially to enforce the law

b

: a soldier specially trained in close-range fighting and in raiding tactics

Examples of ranger in a Sentence

She's now a ranger at a national forest in Montana.

We were fortunate enough to get a tour from a ranger when we visited Yellowstone National Park.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her remains were found days later and wildlife rangers shot dead a 14-foot crocodile. —CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026

The free ranger programs via the NPS are mainly held in the summer and fall, and no reservations are required. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026

Nearby, a law enforcement ranger administered a Breathalyzer to a young parkgoer in possession of a beer. —Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2026

However, Lucas referenced Kansas City’s unusual lack of control over its police force when asked about the possibility of port rangers. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing ranger

• forest ranger
• lone ranger
• park ranger

Rhymes for ranger

• changer
• danger
• manger
• stranger
• arranger
• endanger
• exchanger

Kids Definition

ranger

noun

rang·​er ˈrān-jər 

1

: forest ranger

2

a

: a member of a body of troops who range over a region

b

: a soldier in an army unit with special training (as parachute jumping and scuba diving) for making surprise attacks and raids