adventurer

noun

ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rər 

1

: someone who seeks dangerous or exciting experiences : a person who looks for adventures: such as

a

: soldier of fortune

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

Ride the waves For the past 10 or more years, the town of Salida has attracted adventurers with its Scout Wave river surfing at Salida Park. —Mindy Sink, The Denver Post, 24 May 2024

Following two nights in Buenos Aires, adventurers depart Ushuaia, Argentina, in search of rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses in the Falkland Islands, and fur seals and king penguins in South Georgia. —Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2023

Now, some surfers and other Baja California adventurers are second-guessing what the future might hold for such trips. —San Diego Union Tribune, Orange County Register, 14 May 2024

The Himalayas are a draw for adventurers hoping to test their climbing skills and endurance. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

adventurer

noun

ad·​ven·​tur·​er əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rər 

1

: a person who looks for adventures

2

: a person who tries to become wealthy or powerful by trickery