bowhunting

noun

bow·​hunt·​ing ˈbō-ˌhən-tiŋ 

chiefly US

: hunting especially of large game animals (such as deer) done with bow and arrow

When Prenzlow questioned the hunter, he admitted that he had just killed an elk—but legally, by bowhunting.

—Fred Quartarone, Colorado Outdoors, January 1992

bowhunt

ˈbō-ˌhənt 

verb, transitive + intransitive

bowhunted; bowhunting; bowhunts

He's bowhunted whitetails, elk, and bears across the country.

—Bill Winke, Field & Stream, September 2007

… was just returning from a hunting trip in Arizona, where he had bowhunted for black bear.

—Carl Sampson, Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon), 1 June 2011

bowhunter noun

plural bowhunters

The public image of a bowhunter involves great strength with which to draw his bow.

—Doug Kittredge, Bow & Arrow, September 1967

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now