rover

1 of 2

noun (1)

ro·​ver ˈrō-vər How to pronounce rover (audio)
: pirate

rover

2 of 2

noun (2)

rov·​er ˈrō-vər How to pronounce rover (audio)
1
: a random or long-distance mark in archery
usually used in plural
2
3
: a player who is not assigned to a specific position on a team and who plays wherever needed
4
: a vehicle for exploring the surface of an extraterrestrial body (such as the moon or Mars)

Examples of rover in a Sentence

Noun (2) ever since he developed a strong case of wanderlust in college, he's been a rover a story of the days when sea rovers plied the Caribbean
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.
Noun
But rover observations must be scheduled about three days in advance, as mission teams on Earth need time to plan, validate and transmit commands to Mars. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025 While sampling ancient, dry riverbed rocks on Mars, NASA’s Perseverance rover found something astonishing. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 15 Sep. 2025 This is because understanding boulder movement also helps assess surface stability, which is crucial for planning habitats, rovers, or even future mining operations. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025 In June, 2024, Perseverance, a NASA rover sent to collect samples on the surface of Mars, came upon a cluster of rocks in what is thought to be a former riverbed. David W. Brown, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rover

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Middle Dutch, from roven to rob; akin to Old English rēafian to reave — more at reave

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rover. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

rover

1 of 2 noun
ro·​ver ˈrō-vər How to pronounce rover (audio)

rover

2 of 2 noun
rov·​er ˈrō-vər How to pronounce rover (audio)
: a person who roves around : roamer

More from Merriam-Webster on rover

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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