To venture means to go somewhere or try something even though it might be risky or uncertain. When explorers ventured into uncharted territory, they didn't know what they'd find. When you venture an answer in class, you're taking a chance on being wrong, but you speak up anyway.

The word captures that moment when you step beyond what's safe and familiar. A hiker might venture off the main trail to see a waterfall. A shy student might venture to sit with a new group at lunch. In each case, there's some courage involved because you're not sure exactly what will happen.

As a noun, a venture is a project or undertaking that involves risk or uncertainty. Starting a new business is often called a business venture because success isn't guaranteed. A group of friends planning an ambitious treehouse might call it their summer venture. The word suggests something bold and enterprising: taking on a real challenge when the outcome is unknown. Whether you succeed or fail, the willingness to venture into something new is what makes discovery and growth possible.