fox hunting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Specific
Quick answer
What does “fox hunting” mean?
A traditional sport involving the pursuit and (historically) killing of a fox by trained hounds, followed by riders on horseback.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional sport involving the pursuit and (historically) killing of a fox by trained hounds, followed by riders on horseback.
A contentious outdoor activity and social event associated with the countryside, which has evolved in the UK into a largely simulated form due to legal bans, and is also used metaphorically for any determined pursuit or search.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'fox hunting' refers to the specific, culturally loaded tradition involving horses and hounds, now heavily regulated. In the US, it can refer more broadly to the practice of hunting foxes, often without horses (e.g., on foot or with vehicles), and lacks the same deep-seated class and political connotations. The UK has a specific vocabulary (e.g., 'the Hunt', 'the Quorn') that is largely absent in US usage.
Connotations
UK: Historically aristocratic/upper-class, controversial, polarising, linked to animal rights debates and class politics. US: More neutral as a field sport, associated with rural life and pest control, with less societal controversy.
Frequency
Far more frequent in UK English due to its prominent role in cultural, political, and social discourse. In US English, it is a lower-frequency term referring to a niche outdoor activity.
Grammar
How to Use “fox hunting” in a Sentence
[Subject] + go + fox hunting[Subject] + be + against/for + fox huntingthe debate over + fox huntinga ban on + fox huntingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fox hunting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He used to fox-hunt every weekend before the ban.
- They are debating whether to fox-hunt with artificial scent.
American English
- Some farmers fox-hunt to protect their poultry.
- We went fox-hunting in the backwoods.
adjective
British English
- The fox-hunting community was dismayed by the legislation.
- He wore a traditional fox-hunting jacket.
American English
- Fox-hunting dogs need specific training.
- He follows fox-hunting regulations closely.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically used to describe aggressive pursuit of a target, e.g., 'The sales team is on a fox hunt for new clients.'
Academic
Appears in papers on cultural studies, sociology, political history, law (e.g., the Hunting Act 2004), and animal ethics.
Everyday
Used in general conversation, often in the UK context of discussing the countryside, traditions, or politics.
Technical
In UK law: reference to the specific activities defined and prohibited by the Hunting Act 2004. In field sports: specific terminology related to scent, hounds, and terrain.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fox hunting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fox hunting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fox hunting”
- Using 'fox hunt' as a verb for the activity (prefer 'go fox hunting'). Confusing it with general hunting. Capitalising incorrectly: it's not a proper noun unless referring to a specific named hunt (e.g., 'the Beaufort Hunt').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, hunting wild mammals with dogs was substantially banned in England and Wales by the Hunting Act 2004. However, 'trail hunting' (following an artificial scent) and certain forms of pest control under strict conditions are allowed.
UK fox hunting is a highly ritualised, traditional equestrian sport with strong class associations. US fox hunting is more varied, often done on foot or from vehicles primarily for pest control, and lacks the same deep cultural and political significance.
Yes, it is commonly used in journalism and business to describe a determined, relentless search or investigation for something or someone elusive.
Proponents argue it is a traditional rural activity vital for wildlife management and community. Opponents condemn it as a cruel and unnecessary blood sport that causes animal suffering for entertainment.
A traditional sport involving the pursuit and (historically) killing of a fox by trained hounds, followed by riders on horseback.
Fox hunting is usually formal, specific in register.
Fox hunting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒks ˌhʌntɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɑːks ˌhʌntɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The fox hunting set (UK: referring to a social group)”
- “A political fox hunt (metaphorical: a determined investigation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fox with a RED coat being chased by riders in RED coats. The colour red links the animal and the traditional attire, helping remember the core image.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURSUIT IS HUNTING / INVESTIGATION IS A FOX HUNT (e.g., 'The journalists are fox hunting for the source of the leak.')
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical business context, what does 'fox hunting' typically imply?