Definition

A person who searches for valuable items or artifacts, often in an unprofessional or illegal way, or someone who hunts animals for food without following the rules of sport.

Example

The pothunter was caught digging in the protected archaeological site.

Conversation

Did you hear about that pothunter who got caught last week?

Yeah, it’s crazy how some people just dig up artifacts for themselves.

I wonder if he thought he could get away with it.

Probably, but it just shows how important it is to respect history.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pothunter → The word is formed from "pot" (from Old English *pott*, meaning a container or vessel) and "hunter" (from Old English *hunta*, meaning one who hunts). A pothunter originally referred to someone who hunts for game to fill their pot, often implying hunting for food rather than sport.

Memory Tip

Think of someone hunting to fill their 'pot' — that's why a pothunter is someone who hunts for food.

Visually Confused Words