hunter

noun

hunt·​er ˈhən-tər How to pronounce hunter (audio)
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

Examples of hunter in a Sentence

hunters must have a license to shoot deer
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plesiosaurs were considered among the most successful marine hunters of their time. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2025 The nation’s nearly three million pheasant and quail hunters, according to one study, delivered nearly $10 billion in economic impact across America in 2024. Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 However, some breeds are much better hunters than others, as they have been bred for this purpose throughout history. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 According to military and sheriff’s officials, the shooter was another hunter in the area, not a soldier. Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hunter 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hunter was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near hunter

Cite this Entry

“Hunter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunter. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

hunter

noun
hunt·​er ˈhənt-ər How to pronounce hunter (audio)
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 How to pronounce Hunter (audio)
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 How to pronounce Hunter (audio)
John 1728–1793 British anatomist and surgeon

More from Merriam-Webster on hunter

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