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

South Africa is home to more than 80 percent of the world's rhinos, whose population has been depleted by poaching for buyers in Vietnam and China where rhino horn is coveted as an ingredient in traditional medicine. — NBC News, "Rhino poachers eaten by lions on South African game reserve," 6 July 2018 Korff argues that Herzer is essentially poaching claims from lawsuits filed by ex-Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman and former board members George Abrams and Frederic Salerno after her previous legal tactics failed. — Ashley Cullins, The Hollywood Reporter, "Sumner Redstone's Grandson Rips RICO Lawsuit Filed by Mogul's Ex-Companion," 27 Apr. 2018 The 24-year-old, as things currently stand, is extremely vulnerable to being poached by a top European club because his buy-out clause is 'only' €110m. — SI.com, "Real Madrid Ready to Test the Waters Over Prolific Inter Star Mauro Icardi With Benzema in Decline," 16 Jan. 2018 He's visited Africa several times to promote and participate in conservation efforts and anti-poaching projects to protect the continent's wildlife and local communities. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Was Surprised by Prince Harry's Secret Habit, Which Is Actually Good for the Environment," 8 Nov. 2018 Yet the heart of these anti-poaching units are pairs of handlers and dogs, intimately bonded by their unifying mission. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian, "It’s Pooches vs. Poachers in the Fight Against Wildlife Smugglers," 22 June 2018 The escalation of poaching in Botswana could be attributed to Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s decision to disarm members of the anti-poaching unit. — Lukas Mikelionis, Fox News, "Nearly 90 elephants slain in Botswana amid anti-poaching unit disarmament," 18 Sep. 2018 Netflix is known for poaching executives who are still under contract and has been sued over that practice by both 21st Century Fox and Viacom Inc. Wall Street Journal parent News Corp and 21st Century Fox share common ownership. — Joe Flint, WSJ, "Netflix Hires Activision CFO," 31 Dec. 2018 Chase thinks the change in governmental policy and uptick in poaching are linked. — Sebastian Modak, Condé Nast Traveler, "Dozens of Killed Elephants Found Near Botswana's Okavango Delta," 4 Sep. 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.