Bait vs. Lure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
Bait is usually a substance or object used to attract prey, often consumable. Lure is a device or implement designed to attract and deceive, generally not consumed by the prey. Bait is often organic; Lures are typically artificial.
Difference Between Bait and Lure
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Key Differences
Bait is typically a consumable substance used to attract animals for hunting, fishing, or trapping.
Lure, on the other hand, is generally an inedible object designed to mimic the appearance or behavior of prey.
Bait is often organic, such as food or pheromones.
Lure is usually artificial, created from materials like plastic, metal, or feathers.
Bait is often used in static hunting methods like traps and stationary fishing lines.
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Lure is commonly used in active fishing techniques that involve movement, such as trolling or casting.
Bait usually decomposes over time, necessitating replacement.
Lure is reusable, making it a longer-lasting option for attracting prey.
Bait can attract a wide range of animals depending on what substance is used.
Lure is often designed to attract specific types of fish or animals through visual or auditory means.
Comparison Chart
Consumability
Usually consumable
Not consumed
Material
Often organic
Typically artificial
Usage
Static hunting methods
Active techniques
Durability
Decomposes
Reusable
Target
General
Often specific
Compare with Definitions
Bait
An edible or appetizing item used in hunting or fishing.
She cut up worms for fish bait.
Lure
A device used to attract fish or other animals.
He bought a new lure for his fishing trip.
Bait
Organic matter used in traps.
He put raw meat as bait in the bear trap.
Lure
An object used in active fishing techniques.
She used a spinning lure to catch the bass.
Bait
A decoy or distraction.
The team used a bait strategy in the game.
Lure
A reusable tool in hunting or fishing.
Lures can be used multiple times, unlike bait.
Bait
Food placed on a hook or in a net, trap, or fishing area to entice fish or other animals as prey
Herrings make excellent bait for pike
Fishing with live baits
Lure
A form of enticement or temptation.
The offer was just a lure to get him to sign up.
Bait
Variant spelling of bate
Lure
Something that tempts or attracts with the promise of pleasure or reward
The lure of the open road.
Bait
Deliberately annoy or taunt (someone)
The other boys revelled in baiting him about his love of literature
Lure
An attraction or appeal
Living on the ocean has a lure for many retirees.
Bait
Put bait on (a hook) or in (a trap, net, or fishing area) to entice fish or animals
I used a hook baited with fat
Lure
A decoy used in catching animals, especially an artificial bait used in catching fish.
Bait
Food or other lure placed on a hook or in a trap and used in the taking of fish, birds, or other animals.
Lure
A bunch of feathers attached to a long cord, used in falconry to recall the hawk.
Bait
Something, such as a worm, used for this purpose.
Lure
To attract or entice, especially by wiles or temptation
Customers were lured to the store by ads promising big discounts.
Bait
An enticement, temptation, or provocation
He did not take the bait by responding to the taunt and getting drawn into an argument.
Lure
To recall (a falcon) with a lure.
Bait
To place a lure in (a trap) or on (a fishing hook).
Lure
Something that tempts or attracts, especially one with a promise of reward or pleasure.
Bait
To entice or provoke, especially by trickery or strategy
He baited me into selling him my bike by saying how much I deserved a better one.
Lure
(fishing) An artificial bait attached to a fishing line to attract fish.
Bait
To set dogs upon (a chained animal, for example) for sport.
Lure
(falconry) A bunch of feathers attached to a line, used in falconry to recall the hawk.
Bait
To taunt or torment (someone), as with persistent insults or ridicule
"He baited him mercilessly and had all sorts of unpleasant names for him" (Ruth Prawer Jhabvala).
Lure
A velvet smoothing brush.
Bait
To feed (an animal), especially on a journey.
Lure
(musical instrument) lur
Bait
To stop for food or rest during a trip.
Lure
(intransitive) To attract by temptation, appeal, or guile.
Bait
Variant of bate2.
Lure
(transitive) To attract fish with a lure.
Bait
Any substance, especially food, used in catching fish, or other animals, by alluring them to a hook, snare, trap, or net.
Lure
To recall a hawk with a lure.
Bait
Food containing poison or a harmful additive to kill animals that are pests.
Lure
A contrivance somewhat resembling a bird, and often baited with raw meat; - used by falconers in recalling hawks.
Bait
Anything which allures; something used to lure or entice someone or something into doing something
Lure
Any enticement; that which invites by the prospect of advantage or pleasure; a decoy.
Bait
A portion of food or drink, as a refreshment taken on a journey; also, a stop for rest and refreshment.
Lure
A velvet smoothing brush.
Bait
(Geordie) A packed lunch.
Lure
To draw to the lure; hence, to allure or invite by means of anything that promises pleasure or advantage; to entice; to attract.
I am not lured with love.
And various science lures the learned eye.
Bait
(East Anglia) A small meal taken mid-morning while farming.
Lure
To recall a hawk or other animal.
Bait
(Northern England) A miner's packed meal.
Lure
Qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward
Bait
A light or hasty luncheon.
Lure
Anything that serves as an enticement
Bait
(internet slang) A post intended to get a rise out of others.
Please stop posting bait, or I will have to mute you.
Lure
Something used to lure victims into danger
Bait
En
Sequel bait
Netflix bait
Lure
Provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion;
He lured me into temptation
Bait
(transitive) To attract with bait; to entice.
Lure
An artificial object designed to mimic prey.
The lure looked like a small fish.
Bait
(transitive) To affix bait to a trap or a fishing hook or fishing line.
Bait
(transitive) To set dogs on (an animal etc.) to bite or worry; to attack with dogs, especially for sport.
To bait a bear with dogs;
To bait a bull
Bait
(transitive) To intentionally annoy, torment, or threaten by constant rebukes or threats; to harass.
Bait
To feed and water (a horse or other animal), especially during a journey.
Bait
(intransitive) (of a horse or other animal) To take food, especially during a journey.
Bait
(intransitive) (of a person) To stop to take a portion of food and drink for refreshment during a journey.
Bait
To flap the wings; to flutter as if to fly; or to hover, as a hawk when she stoops to her prey.
Bait
(MLE) Obvious; blatant.
Bait
(MLE) Well-known; famous; renowned.
Bait
Any substance, esp. food, used in catching fish, or other animals, by alluring them to a hook, snare, inclosure, or net.
Bait
Anything which allures; a lure; enticement; temptation.
Bait
A portion of food or drink, as a refreshment taken on a journey; also, a stop for rest and refreshment.
Bait
A light or hasty luncheon.
Bait
To provoke and harass; esp., to harass or torment for sport; as, to bait a bear with dogs; to bait a bull.
Bait
To give a portion of food and drink to, upon the road; as, to bait horses.
Bait
To furnish or cover with bait, as a trap or hook.
A crooked pin . . . baited with a vile earthworm.
Bait
To stop to take a portion of food and drink for refreshment of one's self or one's beasts, on a journey.
Evil news rides post, while good news baits.
My lord's coach conveyed me to Bury, and thence baiting at Newmarket.
Bait
To flap the wings; to flutter as if to fly; or to hover, as a hawk when she stoops to her prey.
Bait
Anything that serves as an enticement
Bait
Something used to lure victims into danger
Bait
Harass with persistent criticism or carping;
The children teased the new teacher
Don't ride me so hard over my failure
His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie
Bait
Lure, entice, or entrap with bait
Bait
Attack with dogs or set dogs upon
Bait
A substance used to attract animals or fish.
He used cheese as bait for the mouse trap.
Bait
An enticement or allure, sometimes metaphorical.
The low prices served as bait for customers.
Common Curiosities
Is Lure artificial?
Lures are typically made of artificial materials like plastic or metal.
What is Bait?
Bait is a consumable substance or object used to attract prey.
What is Lure?
Lure is a non-consumable object designed to attract and deceive prey.
Can Bait attract multiple species?
Yes, depending on the bait used, it can attract a variety of animals.
When is Bait used?
Bait is used in static hunting methods like traps or stationary fishing lines.
Is Bait usually organic?
Yes, bait is often organic like food or scents.
Can Bait be reused?
Bait often decomposes and generally needs to be replaced.
Is Lure reusable?
Yes, lures are usually reusable.
Is Lure more expensive than Bait?
Lures may cost more upfront but are usually reusable.
When is Lure used?
Lure is commonly used in active fishing techniques like casting or trolling.
Is Bait always food?
Bait is usually food, but it can also include other organic materials like pheromones.
Does Lure mimic food?
Lures mimic the appearance or movement of prey but are not usually consumable.
Is Lure species-specific?
Lures are often designed to target specific species.
Is Bait cheaper than Lure?
Bait is often cheaper initially but may require frequent replacement.
Can Bait and Lure be used together?
Yes, bait and lure can be combined for more effective results.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
