poacher

1 of 2

noun (1)

poach·​er ˈpō-chər 

1

: one that trespasses or steals

2

: one who kills or takes wild animals (such as game or fish) illegally

poacher

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: a covered pan containing a plate with depressions or shallow cups in each of which an egg can be cooked over steam rising from boiling water in the bottom of the pan

2

: a baking dish in which food (such as fish) can be poached

Examples of poacher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some of the country’s most iconic species, including rhinos, elephants, and lions, are being systematically slaughtered by poachers, who are funded and supported by criminal gangs. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 29 Jan. 2025

But the 23-year-old remains more of a link-up player than a penalty-box poacher, and contributed as little to United’s anaemic attack as anyone else, struggling to bring team-mates into the game in the second half. —Mark Critchley, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025

Elephants are often snatched by poachers who commit atrocities ranging from killing mothers in front of their children to repeatedly stabbing baby elephants into submission. —Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 11 Jan. 2025

Three wildlife champions — from those on the frontline of the fight to preserve species endangered by poachers to one working to safeguard marine life — were picked for recognition. —Simon Perry, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

poach entry 2

Noun (2)

poach entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1