rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymercenaryHired soldier
noun / adjective

mercenary

MUR-suh-nair-ee/ˈmɜːrsəneri/

Acting chiefly for financial reward.

The mercenary receives his pay from an envoy beside the camp.

A hired medieval soldier receives coins from a foreign commander's envoy beside army camp, practical mixed armor, transaction focal, no text.
Etymology
mercenLatinpay, wages, reward
+aryLatinconnected with

The wage root points to someone serving for pay. Originally a general term for a hired worker, mercenary became specifically a professional soldier serving a foreign army.

In context

Modern History TV86:12
He decided to go to Italy where there were wars where you could be paid as a mercenary.
REALITY of being a MEDIEVAL PEASANT in England

More examples

  • The army hires mercenaries to defend the border.
  • Her mercenary attitude puts profit ahead of patient care.
  • He chooses wealthy friends for purely mercenary reasons.

Forms

mercenary · mercenaries · more mercenary · most mercenary

Similar words

hireling
Hireling disparages a paid worker, not necessarily a soldier.
greedy
Greedy stresses wanting more, not necessarily acting for payment.
venal
Venal specifically suggests willingness to accept bribes or act corruptly.