ENGLISH
REFERENCE

venture

n. · v.
US //ˈvɛntʃɝ// UK //vˈɛntʃɐ// ven·ture
  1. 1 a business project (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a new business activity or project that involves taking a risk in order to succeed.

    a commercial enterprise or business undertaking that involves a degree of financial risk.

    Example

    The two tech companies started a joint venture to develop new solar panels.

    Example

    The success of the overseas venture depended entirely on the stability of the local currency and the reliability of regional distributors.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'joint venture' to describe two companies working together.

  2. 2 to go somewhere risky (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to go somewhere that might be dangerous or unpleasant.

    to travel or move into a place that is unknown or potentially dangerous. Often used as an intransitive verb followed by a prepositional phrase.

    Example

    Few tourists venture into the deep forest without a local guide.

    Example

    Despite the approaching storm, the small fishing boat ventured further out into the open sea in search of a better catch.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 to say something tentatively (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to say something even though you are not sure if it is right or if people will like it.

    to offer a statement, opinion, or suggestion in a cautious or tentative manner. Transitive use, often taking a direct object like 'an opinion' or 'a guess'.

    Example

    I would like to venture a guess about why the machine stopped working.

    Example

    She ventured a polite criticism during the meeting, though she knew the director rarely welcomed dissenting views.

Origin

Clipping of adventure.

© 2026 English Reference