plural -s
: one that prospects
especially : a person who explores a region for valuable mineral deposits

Word History

Etymology

prospect entry 2 + -or

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Cite this Entry

“Prospector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prospector. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

prospector

noun
pros·​pec·​tor
ˈpräs-ˌpek-tər
: a person who explores a region in search of valuable minerals (as metals or oil)
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