Definition of mercenary

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mer·ce·nar·y    (mûrs-nr) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Motivated solely by a desire for monetary or material gain.
2. Hired for service in a foreign army.

NOUN:
pl. mer·ce·nar·ies

1. One who serves or works merely for monetary gain; a hireling.
2. A professional soldier hired for service in a foreign army.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English mercenarie, a mercenary, from Old French mercenaire, from Latin mercnnrius, from mercs, wages, price

OTHER FORMS:
merce·nari·ly(Adverb), merce·nari·ness(Noun)