English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word bait in English

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

bait

US /beɪt/
UK /beɪt/

Noun

1.

food used to entice fish or other animals as prey.

Example:
•
herrings make excellent bait for pike
Synonym:
lure decoy fly troll jig plug teaser
2.

variant spelling of

Verb

1.

deliberately annoy or taunt (someone).

Example:
•
the other boys reveled in baiting him about his love of literature
Synonym:
taunt goad provoke pick on torment torture persecute badger plague harry harass hound tease annoy irritate hassle needle give someone a hard time wind up nark
2.

prepare (a hook, trap, net, or fishing area) with bait to entice fish or animals as prey.

Example:
•
she baited a trap with carrots and corn
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Related Word:
bait-and-switch