# hunt

/ˈhənt/ (US) · /hˈʌnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hunt
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to kill animals

verb · CEFR A2

to chase and kill wild animals for food or as a sport.

For teachers: to pursue and kill wild animals for sustenance or recreation. Ambitransitive — can be used with or without a direct object.

- In the past, people used to hunt deer to feed their families during the winter.
- The indigenous tribes continue to hunt traditional game using methods passed down through generations, ensuring the ecosystem remains balanced.

### 2. to search for something

verb · CEFR B1

to look for something that is difficult to find.

For teachers: to search determinedly for someone or something. Often pairs with the preposition 'for'.

- I had to hunt for my keys for twenty minutes before I found them under the sofa.
- Recruiters are currently hunting for a candidate who possesses both technical expertise and strong leadership qualities for the executive role.

### 3. mechanical oscillation

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

when a machine or part moves back and forth too much because it cannot find a steady speed.

For teachers: to undergo unwanted or forced oscillations in a control system, typically when a governor or motor fails to find a stable equilibrium.

- The engine started to hunt as the governor struggled to maintain a constant speed.
- If the feedback loop is too sensitive, the actuator will hunt around the setpoint rather than settling into a steady state.

### 4. an act of searching

noun · CEFR B1

an organized search for something or someone.

For teachers: an instance of searching or pursuing; a quest to find a specific object or person.

- The police organized a massive hunt for the missing hikers in the mountains.
- After months of searching, her hunt for the perfect apartment finally ended when she found a studio near the park.

### 5. a hunting group

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a group of people or dogs that go out together to hunt animals.

For teachers: an association or organized group of people who participate in hunting expeditions, or the pack of hounds used.

- The local hunt met at the village square early on Saturday morning.
- The traditional fox hunt remains a controversial topic in rural communities, often sparking heated debates about animal welfare and heritage.

## Examples

- The police are leading a hunt for the missing witness.
- After months of searching, the company finally ended its hunt for a new chief executive by hiring an internal candidate.
- The annual scavenger hunt requires participants to solve complex riddles that lead them through the city's historical landmarks before the sun sets.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.