speculator

American  

[spek-yuh-ley-ter] / ˈspɛk yəˌleɪ tər /

noun

1. a person who is engaged in commercial or financial speculation.

2. a person who makes advance purchases of tickets, as to games or theatrical performances, that are likely to be in demand, for resale later at a higher price.

3. a person who is devoted to mental speculation.

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speculator British  

/ ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a person who speculates

2. rugby an undirected kick of the ball

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Etymology

Origin of speculator

1545–55; < Latin speculātor explorer, equivalent to speculā ( rī ) to watch over, explore, reconnoiter ( speculate ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

Duer was also an inveterate speculator and get-rich-quick schemer: “king of the alley,” as Thomas Jefferson derisively referred External link to Wall Street.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Further near-term price gains are also likely, with speculator long positions as a share of total open interest on CME are not as extreme as in previous speculative peaks, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Fisk, a Wall Street speculator, was fabulously wealthy.

From Slate • Dec. 28, 2023

Shin said he is not a speculator and had intended to move his family into the two-story house until his three children saw the park.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2023

Duer was the epitome of the enterprising speculator whom he trusted and who ultimately proved untrustworthy.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis