explorer

noun

ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplȯr-ər How to pronounce explorer (audio)
Synonyms of explorernext
1
: one that explores
especially : a person who travels in search of geographical or scientific information
2
Explorer : a member of a coed scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America for young people ages 14 to 20 focusing on career awareness

Examples of explorer in a Sentence

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.
The name began appearing on European explorers' maps in the 1660s. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 At the center was Tatunca Nara, who claimed to be its descendant and guide, but later became linked to the disappearance and deaths of several explorers. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 On the video, Smith traced the Texas longhorn’s heritage to cattle early Spanish explorers brought to the Americas in the late 15th century. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026 Police sources say these may be treasure hunters or urban explorers. — Alice Gainer, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explorer

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of explorer was in 1577

Rhymes for explorer

See All Rhymes for explorer

Browse Nearby Words

explore
explorer
explorer tent
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Cite this Entry

“Explorer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explorer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

explorer

noun
ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplōr-ər How to pronounce explorer (audio)
-ˈsplȯr-
1
: one that explores
a vehicle called the lunar explorer
especially : a person who travels in search of new geographical or scientific information
2
capitalized : a member of the scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America for young people 14 to 20 years old

Medical Definition

explorer

noun
ex·​plor·​er ik-ˈsplōr-ər, -ˈsplȯr- How to pronounce explorer (audio)
: an instrument for exploring cavities especially in teeth : probe sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on explorer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for explorer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explorer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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