fowler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Historical / Technical (ornithology/hunting)
Quick answer
What does “fowler” mean?
a person who hunts or catches wild birds, especially for food or sport.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a person who hunts or catches wild birds, especially for food or sport.
A person engaged in the practice or study of wild birds, including hunting, trapping, or ornithological observation. Historically, a professional role providing game birds for markets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare and historical in both varieties. It might be slightly more familiar in UK contexts due to its historical use in titles (e.g., 'The Fowler's Handbook') and as a common surname.
Connotations
Neutral but archaic. Connotes a traditional, skilled rural occupation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary corpora. Usage is confined to historical discussions, specific ornithological contexts, or literature.
Grammar
How to Use “fowler” in a Sentence
The fowler [verb of action] (e.g., The fowler sets his traps at dawn).[Adjective] fowler of [type of bird] (e.g., a skilled fowler of partridge).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fowler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Obsolete) 'To fowl' meant to hunt wildfowl. Not used in modern English.
American English
- (Obsolete) See British.
adverb
British English
- (None.)
American English
- (None.)
adjective
British English
- (None. Used only as a noun.)
American English
- (None. Used only as a noun.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, anthropological, or environmental history texts discussing pre-industrial food procurement.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be understood as a surname or in very specific rural/hunting communities.
Technical
Used in ornithological history, certain legal contexts relating to historical rights, and in the traditional name for some bird species (e.g., 'Fowler's Toad').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fowler”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fowler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fowler”
- Using 'fowler' to refer to a modern recreational duck hunter (use 'wildfowler' in UK context).
- Misspelling as 'fowlar' or 'fowller'.
- Confusing it with the verb 'to fowl' (which is obsolete).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a rare, historical, or specialist term. You will most likely encounter it in literature, historical texts, or as a surname.
A fowler historically hunted or trapped birds, primarily for food or trade. An ornithologist is a scientist who studies birds, typically without the goal of catching them for consumption.
No, not in contemporary English. The related verb 'to fowl' is obsolete.
They are very similar. 'Wildfowler' is a more specific term used primarily in British English for someone who hunts wetland wildfowl (ducks, geese) with a shotgun. 'Fowler' is the broader, older term for any hunter of birds.
a person who hunts or catches wild birds, especially for food or sport.
Fowler is usually formal / historical / technical (ornithology/hunting) in register.
Fowler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊlə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use. The phrase 'a fowler's snare' can be used metaphorically for an enticing trap.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bird on a FOWL (chicken/duck) being caught by a huntER = FOWL-ER.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUNTER IS A SPECIALIST (The fowler is not just any hunter; he has specific knowledge of birds and their habits).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'fowler' most likely to be used today?