IPA: /ˈroʊ.vər/
KK: /ˈroʊvər/
A vehicle that can travel across the surface of a planet or moon, often used for exploration.
The rover successfully landed on Mars and began sending back data.
Rover originates from the Middle English 'roven' (meaning to wander or roam), which is derived from the Old English 'hrōfian' (meaning to roam or wander). The word 'rover' refers to someone or something that wanders or travels without a fixed destination.
Think of someone who 'wanders' or 'roams' freely — that's what a rover does.