hunter
HUHN-tuh
Hunter (noun) means a person who tracks and kills wild animals for food or sport. Example: “The hunter tracked the deer through fresh snow.”
noun
1
A person who tracks and kills wild animals for food or sport.
"The hunter tracked the deer through fresh snow."
"Local hunters follow strict seasonal limits on deer."
"The hunter waited quietly behind a tree, hoping a rabbit would pass by."
2
Someone actively searching for a particular thing, such as a job, bargain, or opportunity.
"As a bargain hunter, she never pays full price."
"Job hunters flooded the careers fair looking for leads."
"Every autumn, a keen house hunter like my cousin spends weekends visiting open viewings."
3
A horse or dog bred and trained specifically for hunting.
"He rode a tall bay hunter across the fields."
"The old hunter in the stable was calm, strong and used to long days in the field."
"They bought a retired hunter for their daughter to ride at weekends."
How to use hunter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who chases or seeks something out, whether that's an animal, a job, or a good deal.
Common pairings
a skilled hunter
bargain hunter
job hunter
hunter and prey
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Word forms
- Plural
- hunters
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The _____ tracked the deer through fresh snow.
Etymology
From Middle English huntere, built from hunt plus the agent suffix -er — literally "one who hunts."
Related words
Rhymes for hunter
See all rhymes for hunter →Frequently asked questions
What does “hunter” mean?
The word “hunter” means a person who tracks and kills wild animals for food or sport. In plain terms, someone who chases or seeks something out, whether that's an animal, a job, or a good deal.
How do you pronounce “hunter”?
“Hunter” is pronounced HUHN-tuh (/ˈhʌntɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hunter” in a sentence?
Here is “hunter” used in a sentence: “The hunter tracked the deer through fresh snow.”
What part of speech is “hunter”?
“Hunter” is a noun.
Where does the word “hunter” come from?
The word “hunter” comes from Middle English. From Middle English huntere, built from hunt plus the agent suffix -er — literally "one who hunts.".
Is “hunter” a common word?
“Hunter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “hunter” have?
“Hunter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who tracks and kills wild animals for food or sport.
What is the difference between a hunter and a poacher?
A hunter tracks and kills wild animals legally, for food or sport, usually within licensed seasons and areas. A poacher hunts illegally — taking animals without permission, out of season, or from protected land.
Can hunter refer to someone who isn't hunting animals?
Yes. A hunter can be anyone actively searching for a particular thing, which is why English has compounds like job hunter, bargain hunter, and house hunter. The animal sense is the original one, but the searching sense is very common.
What is the difference between hunter and huntsman?
Hunter is the general word for a person who hunts wild animals. Huntsman is older and more specific: in British usage it often refers to the person who manages the hounds during a hunt.
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