poacher

[ poh-cher ]

/ ˈpoʊ tʃər /

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noun

a person who trespasses on private property, especially to catch fish or game illegally.

Also called sea-poacher. any of several slender, marine fishes of the family Agonidae, found chiefly in deeper waters of the North Pacific, having the body covered with bony plates.

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Origin of poacher

First recorded in 1660–70; poach² + -er¹

Words nearby poacher

Pnyx, po, POA, poaceous, poach, poacher, poaching, poachy, POB, Pobeda Peak, poblano

Other definitions for poacher (2 of 2)

poacher²

[ poh-cher ]

/ ˈpoʊ tʃər /

noun

a pan having a tight-fitting lid and metal cups for steaming or poaching eggs.

any dish or pan used for poaching food, especially a baking dish for poaching fish.

Origin of poacher

First recorded in 1860–65; poach¹ + -er¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use poacher in a sentence

Students and staff at a field site in Tanzania pretended to be poachers.
These flying robots protect endangered wildlife|Kathryn Hulick|March 10, 2022|Science News For Students
More potential poachers might be roaming during this season, either because they’re legally hunting other prey or because they’re willing to use the commotion of the hunts as cover.
Snowy weather could determine life or death for Wisconsin’s poached gray wolves|Kate Baggaley|February 2, 2022|Popular-Science
However, the evidence that males cannot develop this trait is troubling, particularly since male elephants are already targeted more by poachers because of their larger tusks.
Ivory poaching has triggered a surge in elephants born without tusks|Kate Baggaley|October 22, 2021|Popular-Science
When ivory poachers target elephants, the hunters can affect more than just animal numbers.
Tuskless elephants became common as an evolutionary response to poachers|Jake Buehler|October 21, 2021|Science News

These animals may be especially restless because they must be on high alert for poachers.
Let’s learn about elephants|Maria Temming|September 28, 2021|Science News For Students
A boy kills a poacher, whereupon his father and grandfather argues about what to do.
This Week’s Hot Reads: Sept. 2, 2013|Damaris Colhoun|September 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Instead, he finds a poacher, raises his rifle, and fires a lethal blast.
This Week’s Hot Reads: Sept. 2, 2013|Damaris Colhoun|September 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The very best and most daring poacher I know lives within five-and-twenty minutes' journey from Waterloo.
The Chequers|James Runciman
No burglar ever brags of his exploits; the poacher always boasts, and always receives applause.
The Chequers|James Runciman
And he is not a poacher and a snarer, and I don't know what all, leading a lawless life, and thieving for his living?
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood
Dafydd, who had the eyes of a river-poacher, knew both the cart and the two men who rode on the load.
Mushroom Town|Oliver Onions
“Thanks, maiden, you are kind and considerate to an avowed poacher,” replied Edward.
The Children of the New Forest|Captain Marryat

British Dictionary definitions for poacher (1 of 2)

poacher¹

/ (ˈpəʊtʃə) /

noun

a person who illegally hunts game, fish, etc, on someone else's property

poacher turned gamekeeper someone whose occupation or behaviour is the opposite of what it previously was, such as a burglar who now advises on home security

British Dictionary definitions for poacher (2 of 2)

poacher²

/ (ˈpəʊtʃə) /

noun

a metal pan with individual cups for poaching eggs

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012