rover

1 of 2

noun (1)

ro·​ver ˈrō-vər How to pronounce rover (audio)
Synonyms of rovernext
: pirate

rover

2 of 2

noun (2)

rov·​er ˈrō-vər How to pronounce rover (audio)
1
: a random or long-distance mark in archery
—usually used in plural
2
: wanderer, roamer
3
: a player who is not assigned to a specific position on a team and who plays wherever needed
4
: a vehicle for exploring the surface of an extraterrestrial body (such as the moon or Mars)

Synonyms of rover

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Noun (2)

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Examples of rover in a Sentence

Noun (2) ever since he developed a strong case of wanderlust in college, he's been a rover a story of the days when sea rovers plied the Caribbean
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.
Noun
The mission demonstrated that relatively low-cost robotic exploration could deliver enormous scientific returns and paved the way for the sophisticated Mars rovers that followed. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026 But the Soviet moon program was not, with Luna probes and Lunakhod rovers. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 9 Aug. 2026 The Curiosity rover, largely a twin of Perseverance that launched nine years earlier, had similar imaging capability and algorithms. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 8 Aug. 2026 The formations, known as polygonal fractures, were spotted as the rover explored a valley called Valle Grande, according to a news release by NASA. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rover

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Middle Dutch, from roven to rob; akin to Old English rēafian to reave — more at reave

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rover was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing rover

Rhymes for rover

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Browse Nearby Words

rove-over
rover
rover bellflower
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Cite this Entry

“Rover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rover. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rover

2 of 2 noun
rov·​er ˈrō-vər How to pronounce rover (audio)
: a person who roves around : roamer

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Nglish: Translation of rover for Spanish Speakers

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