# hunter

/ˈhəntɝ/ (US) · /hˈʌntɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. person who hunts animals

noun · CEFR A2

a person who tracks and kills wild animals for food or sport.

For teachers: a person who pursues and kills wild animals for sustenance or recreation.

- The hunter moved silently through the forest, hoping to find a deer.
- Traditional hunters in the region rely on ancient tracking techniques to locate prey during the harsh winter months.

### 2. animal that hunts

noun · CEFR A2

an animal that catches and eats other animals.

For teachers: a predatory animal that stalks and captures prey.

- Owls are excellent hunters that can see very well in the dark.
- As a primary hunter in this ecosystem, the leopard plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the local wildlife population.

### 3. seeker of something

noun · CEFR B1

someone who is looking for a specific thing or person.

For teachers: a person who searches for or seeks after a particular object, person, or piece of information.

- The bargain hunter spent all morning looking for cheap clothes at the market.
- Head hunters from the executive search firm spent weeks identifying potential candidates for the CEO position.

Usage: Often used in compound nouns like 'bargain hunter', 'job hunter', or 'fortune hunter'.

### 4. astronomy

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

another name for the group of stars called Orion.

For teachers: a common name for the constellation Orion, depicted in mythology as a giant hunter.

- On a clear winter night, you can easily spot the Hunter in the sky.
- The three bright stars forming the belt of the Hunter are among the most recognisable features of the night sky.

Usage: Usually capitalized when referring specifically to the constellation.

### 5. type of watch

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Archaic

a pocket watch with a metal cover that protects the glass.

For teachers: a pocket watch featuring a spring-hinged metal cover designed to protect the crystal and dial.

- He pulled a silver hunter from his pocket to check the time.
- The antique dealer specialized in nineteenth-century gold hunters, noting that the protective covers were often elaborately engraved.

Teaching tip: This term is mostly used by collectors or in historical contexts; modern speakers would simply say 'pocket watch'.

## Examples

- The hunter followed the deer's tracks through the snow.
- In many ancient societies, the role of the hunter was essential for the survival of the entire community.
- The owl is a silent and efficient nocturnal hunter, using its specialized feathers to approach prey without making a sound.

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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.