poach

verb (1)

\ ˈpōch

poached; poaching; poaches

Definition of poach

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to cook in simmering liquid

poach

verb (2)

poached; poaching; poaches

Definition of poach (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to encroach upon especially for the purpose of taking something

2 : to trespass for the purpose of stealing game also : to take game or fish illegally

transitive verb

1 : to trespass on a field poached too frequently by the amateur —The Times Literary Supplement (London)

2a : to take (game or fish) by illegal methods

b : to appropriate (something) as one's own

c : to attract (someone, such as an employee or customer) away from a competitor

Examples of poach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The smooth disk of liver is poached in Cognac and Madeira before being mixed with cream and a little gelatin to produce a spreadable pâté. — Michael Bauer, SFChronicle.com, "Sorrel off to a stellar start in Pacific Heights," 6 July 2018 Growing energy engineering and construction firm McDermott International poached its new second-in-command from rival TechnipFMC. — Jordan Blum, Houston Chronicle, "McDermott poaches new COO from rival TechnipFMC," 3 July 2018 West's Lobster Newberg is poached in a butter bath and served with cognac-sherry sauce (market rates). — Joyce Smith, kansascity, "Iconic Savoy restaurant aims for 'throwback' feel with fun, like blue cotton candy," 30 June 2018 In the '80s and '90s, Liuwa was decimated by poaching, the scourge spilling into Zambia during the Angolan War. — Sophy Roberts, Condé Nast Traveler, "Zambia's King Lewanika Lodge Offers More Than Just Big Five Sightings," 8 May 2018 And on Thursday, seven other chains, including McDonald’s, agreed to end no-poaching policies. — Rick Romell, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Batteries Plus is among franchisers with criticized 'no-poaching' clause in contract," 13 July 2018 Gilbert Public School officials complained that a new kindergarten through 12th-grade charter school would poach their students — and money from their budget. — Craig Harris, azcentral, "Arizona charter school founder makes millions building his own schools," 11 July 2018 The 53-year-old Scottish engineer was poached by Apple in April, but his new title and position were only announced yesterday. — James Vincent, The Verge, "Apple’s new AI chief might actually be the right person to fix Siri," 11 July 2018 Sommers allegedly poached the turtles and their eggs in 2017 and sold them to buyers in New York and Wisconsin, with each transaction totaling more than $350, according to the indictment. — CBS News, "Feds indict man for allegedly trafficking thousands of turtles," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'poach.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.