hunting

noun

hunt·​ing ˈhən-tiŋ How to pronounce hunting (audio)
Synonyms of huntingnext
1
: the act of one that hunts
specifically : the pursuit of game
2
: the process of hunting
3
a
: a periodic variation in speed of a synchronous electrical machine
b
: a self-induced and undesirable oscillation of a variable above and below the desired value in an automatic control system
c
: a continuous attempt by an automatically controlled system to find a desired equilibrium condition

Examples of hunting in a Sentence

His hobbies include hunting and fishing. The law prohibits the hunting of migratory birds. She likes to go hunting.
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.
The on-site team will organize truffle hunting or a wine tasting to further fill out your itinerary, while breakfast (farm-fresh eggs and sweet juices) also comes as part of the stay each morning. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026 Wildlife habitat improvements have helped protect owls, bluebirds, and other species, while the property, which can support agricultural operations, offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, and horseback riding. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026 So far, none of those efforts has been successful, and opponents say hunting would do little to address the most problematic bears that tend to live closer to residential neighborhoods. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 August marks the beginning of alligator hunting in Florida, when for the next three months thousands of alligators will be killed for their skin and meat, with the hunt being less about population control and more about profit. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hunting

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hunting was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing hunting

Rhymes for hunting

See All Rhymes for hunting

Browse Nearby Words

hunth
hunting
hunting boot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunting. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hunting

noun
hunt·​ing
: the action of one that hunts
especially : the chasing of game

More from Merriam-Webster on hunting

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hunting

Nglish: Translation of hunting for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hunting

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