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.
Analysts looked at 30 of the most popular Pokémon search terms that were selected using a keyword explorer tool, according to EsportsGG. — Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Not everyone wants to be an explorer, but for people who do, Mars is this incredibly intriguing target. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026 As with any good explorer, Invision also comes with a full arsenal of toys and tenders for trips further afield. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026 RadarOnline previously reported that Charles has been worried about his friend, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who left the limelight after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 14 Oct. 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

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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 21 Oct. 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

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