Meaning & Definition of word "Mercenary"

Mercenary

/ˈmɜːrsəˌnɛri/

noun:

  • 1. A professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army.
    • Example: The country employed mercenaries to bolster its defense forces.
  • 2. A person primarily motivated by personal gain, especially in a context that is often considered morally questionable.
    • Example: He was seen as a mercenary, willing to betray his own people for the right price.

adjective:

  • 1. Working or acting merely for money or other reward; greedy.
    • Example: The film depicted the mercenary nature of the corporate executives.
  • 2. Relating to or characteristic of a mercenary soldier.
    • Example: The mercenary troops were well-trained and equipped for their missions.

Etymology

From Latin 'mercenarius', from 'merces' meaning 'wages, pay'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

soldier of fortune:

A person who earns money by fighting, often in foreign conflicts.

hired help:

Someone employed to do work for pay, often implying a lack of commitment.

money talks:

The idea that financial gain influences behavior and decisions.

Related Words

hireling:

A person who works purely for material reward; someone without loyalty.

vagabond:

A person who wanders without a home or job, often living solely on what they can earn.

contractor:

A person or company that undertakes a contract to provide materials or labor for construction.

Slang Meanings of mercenary

Meaning: Gunner

Example Sentence: He's just a gunner, doing it for the money.

Meaning: Money merc

Example Sentence: You can tell he's a money merc, always chasing the highest paycheck.