headhunter

[ hed-huhn-ter ]

noun

1. a person who engages in headhunting.
2. a personnel recruiter for a corporation or executive recruitment agency.
3. an executive recruitment agency.

Word History and Origins

Origin of headhunter¹

First recorded in 1850–55; head + hunter

Example Sentences

“Is a terrorist organization going to send their headhunter to an American comedy club?”

From Los Angeles Times

In March, the city hired the Northern California-based headhunter Bob Murray & Associates to conduct the nationwide chief search — the same firm that helped pick Bratton more than two decades ago.

From Los Angeles Times

The city finalized a deal with the Northern California-based headhunter Bob Murray & Associates on March 1, but didn’t announce the decision until Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners.

From Los Angeles Times

The Hammer board will need time to select a headhunter to begin the sure-to-be-lengthy search for a new director.

From Los Angeles Times

Investment bankers and headhunters say the talent flight could change the competitive position of many banks when technology firms decide to embark on big deals again.

From Reuters

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