venture

1 of 2

verb

ven·​ture ˈven(t)-shər How to pronounce venture (audio)
ventured; venturing ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce venture (audio)

intransitive verb

: to proceed especially in the face of danger

transitive verb

1
: to expose to hazard : risk, gamble
ventured a buck or two on the race
2
: to undertake the risks and dangers of : brave
ventured the stormy sea
3
: to offer at the risk of rebuff, rejection, or censure
venture an opinion
venturer noun

venture

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: an undertaking involving chance, risk, or danger
especially : a speculative business enterprise
b
: a venturesome act
2
: something (such as money or property) at stake in a speculative venture
3
obsolete : destiny, fortune, chance
Phrases
at a venture
: at random
a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king1 Kings 22:34 (King James Version)

Examples of venture in a Sentence

Verb We ventured out into the woods. He nervously ventured out onto the ice. The pups never ventured far from home. The company is venturing into the computer software industry. a writer venturing on a new project The group's lead singer is now venturing on a solo career. It's important to plan carefully before venturing on a long journey. Noun a venture into the unknown their latest business venture failed big-time
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.
Verb
Those looking to venture off-property can also learn more about the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization with day trips to ancient Mayan sites of Chichén Itzá, Tulum, or Coba. Kareema Bee, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2025 Turner must be ready to venture farther from the hoop than usual. Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Noun
To Save Your Passwords, Microsoft Warns App Users Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Saturday, May 3rd Cleaning is often seen as unglamorous, labor-intensive work, deterring those chasing trendier ventures. Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025 Much of World Liberty Financial's operation is still shrouded in mystery, but its founders have touted its ambitious goal of integrating their venture into the everyday traditional retail system. Soo Rin Kim, ABC News, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for venture

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English venteren, aphetic form of aventuren, auntren "to occur by chance, expose to risk, take a chance" — more at adventure entry 2

Noun

Middle English, aphetic form of aventure — more at adventure entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of venture was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Venture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venture. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

venture

1 of 2 verb
ven·​ture ˈven-chər How to pronounce venture (audio)
ventured; venturing ˈvench-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce venture (audio)
1
: to expose to risk
ventured a dollar on the lottery
2
: to face the risks and dangers of
ventured the stormy sea
3
: to offer at the risk of being criticized
venture an opinion
venture to disagree
4
: to go ahead in spite of danger
ventured down the cliff
venturer noun

venture

2 of 2 noun
: an undertaking involving chance, risk, or danger
especially : a speculative business enterprise

Legal Definition

venture

noun
ven·​ture
ˈven-chər
: an undertaking involving chance, risk, or danger
especially : a speculative business enterprise see also joint venture

More from Merriam-Webster on venture

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