# mercenary

/ˈmɝsəˌnɛɹi/ (US) · /mˈɜːsənəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mercenary
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a professional soldier who is paid to fight for a foreign country or group. They work for money rather than for political or personal beliefs.

For teachers: a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army. Motivated primarily by financial gain rather than political allegiance or national duty.

## Examples

- The king hired mercenaries to help defend the city.
- During the conflict, the government relied on highly trained mercenaries to secure the remote oil fields.
- The use of private mercenaries in modern warfare raises complex legal questions regarding accountability and the adherence to international humanitarian laws during armed conflicts.

## Usage notes

- Often carries a negative connotation of greed or lack of loyalty.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.