What does poach mean?
Poach has two established meanings. As a verb, it most commonly means to take wild animals, game, or fish without the owner’s permission, especially when doing so is unlawful. Poaching is associated with hunting protected species, damaging wildlife populations, and disregarding property or conservation rules. In cooking, to poach means to simmer food gently in liquid rather than fry, roast, or bake it; poached eggs are a familiar example, and poached fish, fruit, and meat are also prepared this way. The word can therefore sound illicit in one context and delicate in another. Its usefulness lies in this contrast: it precisely identifies both unauthorized taking and a gentle method of cooking, while “poacher” describes someone who poaches game.
To take game, fish, or other wildlife without the owner’s permission, especially unlawfully.
"People who poach endangered species can face severe penalties."
The sense is usually negative and commonly implies deliberate unlawful taking.
To cook food gently in liquid.
"Poach the fish in a mixture of broth and wine until it flakes."
This culinary sense is standard in both British and US English.
A person who takes game, fish, or other wildlife without permission, especially unlawfully.
"The park rangers increased patrols after reports of a poacher in the area."
The plural is rarely needed, but it is formed by adding -s.
"The stories of local poaches dominated the newspaper for weeks."
From hunting someone’s property to gently cooking an egg, one word carries two surprisingly different meanings.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does poach come from?
The word comes through English from Old French pocher, associated with the action of taking game illegally. Its ultimate origin is traditionally linked to the Germanic word for a pouch, a development commonly reflected in the cognate pocket, though the exact historical relationship has been debated. The separate culinary meaning developed later by analogy with the gentle movement of simmering liquid.
Related word forms
How poach is actually used
In the hunting sense, “poach” is usually negative and strongly suggests illegal or unauthorized taking. In the cooking sense, it describes gently simmering food in liquid and is standard in British and US usage.
Easily confused with poach
A pouch is a small bag or fold of skin, whereas to poach means to take game illegally or cook food gently in liquid.