'hunter' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hunta', where 'hunt' meant 'to chase' and the agent suffix '-er' meant 'one who'.

'hunter' changed from Old English 'hunta' and through Middle English forms such as 'hunter' to become the modern English word 'hunter'.

Initially, it meant 'one who chases or pursues (animals)', and over time the meaning broadened slightly to include anyone who actively searches for something (figurative uses).