hunter

noun

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

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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.
In a stagnant, low-hire labor market both workers and job hunters are feeling stuck. — Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 In Idaho, lifetime licenses are available to hunters of all ages. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026 With large wings, powerful forearms, sharp teeth, and the ability to turn their heads 180 degrees, mantids are skilled hunters. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026 Yet the wilderness is just plain green, a meeting spot for people of all backgrounds and political views, from deer hunters to biologists, bass fishermen to poets. — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 3 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing hunter

Rhymes for hunter

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Browse Nearby Words

hunt down
hunter
Hunter
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Cite this Entry

“Hunter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of hunter for Spanish Speakers

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