adventurer

noun

ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rər How to pronounce adventurer (audio)
1
: someone who seeks dangerous or exciting experiences : a person who looks for adventures: such as
b
: one who engages in risky commercial enterprises for profit
2
somewhat old-fashioned : one who seeks unmerited wealth or position especially by playing on the credulity or prejudice of others

Examples of adventurer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There's something for every type of tech lover, including coffee enthusiasts, bibliophiles, adventurers, and more. Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 5 Feb. 2024 For adventurers and families, Thrill Island and Surfside are the spots to be. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 23 Jan. 2024 In her own family, de Bres became the writer and the introvert, while her twin, Julia, was the artist and the adventurer. Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2024 Already, Alaska’s huts have made outdoor recreation possible in a region where the weather and wildlife usually deter all but the savviest adventurers. Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024 Lifelong adventurers, the couple spent winters at sea and summers in New England. Lizzie Johnson, Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2024 Beyond the lakefront, Wānaka is a year-round destination for adventurers and wine lovers. Lauren Quaintance, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Feb. 2024 Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag This petite pack is a great option for the avid outdoor adventurer on your V-Day list. Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2024 But more discerning adventurers now have the option to stay at Sheldon Chalet, a two-story, 2,000-square-foot guesthouse located just 500 feet away. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adventurer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

adventure entry 1 or adventure entry 2 + -er entry 2, probably after Middle French aventurier, adventurier

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near adventurer

Cite this Entry

“Adventurer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventurer. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

adventurer

noun
ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rər How to pronounce adventurer (audio)
1
: a person who looks for adventures
2
: a person who tries to become wealthy or powerful by trickery
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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