hunter

noun

hunt·​er ˈhən-tər 

1

a

: a person who hunts game

b

: a dog used or trained for hunting

c

: a horse used or adapted for use in hunting with hounds

especially : a fast strong horse trained for cross-country work and jumping

2

: one that searches for something

3

: a pocket watch with a hinged protective cover

Synonyms

• huntsman
• nimrod

Examples of hunter in a Sentence

hunters must have a license to shoot deer

Recent Examples on the Web

One male was shot and killed by a hunter in Georgia in 2008, wildlife officials say. —CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025

In today’s whirlwind of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and technological disruption, job hunters and employees alike can find ways to build confidence and secure their professional footing. —Jack Kelly, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Sword and Shield The Sword and Shield has long been the best starting weapon for new hunters in the Monster Hunter series, and Wilds is no different. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025

Black-footed ferrets, weasel-like animals with distinctive dark bands around their eyes and black feet, are ruthless little hunters. —Benji Jones, Vox, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hunter

• anti-hunter
• bounty hunter
• fortune hunter
• head hunter
• hunter-gatherer
• hunter green
• white hunter

Rhymes for hunter

• bunter
• punter

Kids Definition

hunter

noun

hunt·​er ˈhənt-ər 

1

: a person who hunts

especially : one who hunts game

2

: a dog or horse used or trained for hunting

Geographical Definition

Hunter

geographical name

Hun·​ter ˈhən-tər 

river 287 miles (462 kilometers) long in eastern New South Wales, southeastern Australia, flowing east into the Pacific

Biographical Definition

Hunter

biographical name

Hun·​ter ˈhən-tər 

John 1728–1793 British anatomist and surgeon