bait
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: baits · baiting · baited
Sense 1
Any substance, especially food, used in catching fish, or other animals, by alluring them to a hook, snare, trap, or net.
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Food containing poison or a harmful additive to kill animals that are pests.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To attract with bait; to entice.
Verb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
To affix bait to a trap or a fishing hook or fishing line.
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bait” mean?
Any substance, especially food, used in catching fish, or other animals, by alluring them to a hook, snare, trap, or net.
Is “bait” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.