Bait/beɪt/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Purpose of Bait Understand bait is used with intent to catch, not to feed animals. The bait in the trap is to catch the mice, not to feed them. Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Usage Bait is also for luring people into situations, often deceptive ones. The low prices were just bait to get customers in the store. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Food Bait doesn't have to be edible; it can be anything that attracts. They used flashy advertisements as bait for new players.