Meaning of the word poach in English

What does poach mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

poach

US /poʊtʃ/
UK /pəʊtʃ/
"poach" picture

Verb

1.

cook (an egg) without its shell in or over boiling water or steam

Example:
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I like my eggs poached.
•
She decided to poach the salmon for dinner.
2.

illegally hunt or catch (game or fish) on land that is not one's own or in contravention of official protection

Example:
•
The gang was caught poaching deer in the national park.
•
It's illegal to poach fish from this river.
3.

take (something) for one's own use in an unfair or surreptitious way

Example:
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The company tried to poach our best employees.
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They accused him of trying to poach their clients.