bask

verb

basked; basking; basks
Synonyms of basknext

intransitive verb

1
: to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere
basking in the warmth of the sun
2
: to take pleasure or derive enjoyment
basked in the spotlight

transitive verb

obsolete : to warm by continued exposure to heat
basks at the fire his hairy strength …John Milton

Examples of bask in a Sentence

We sat basking in the sun. Tourists were basking on the beaches. He stood before the audience, basking in their applause.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But there’s a reason that the Ranch’s Ocean Rooms and Coast Suites are particularly popular, with their private patios outfitted with a basking tub for two (set to your preferred temperature), and of course, expansive views of the ocean and coastline. Lauren Sloss, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 Watch wild sea lions bask in the heart of the city. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Shot across Swift's three-night stint at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, this concert film lets Swifties bask in her three-hour musical spectacle from the comfort of their homes, complete with four bonus acoustic tracks not featured in the theatrical release. James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026 Cignetti let his players bask in the history for a few days, then the festivities surrounding the CFP final for a few more. Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bask

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from Old Norse bathask, reflexive of batha to bathe; akin to Old English bæth bath

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of bask was circa 1616

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bask.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bask. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

bask

verb
: to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere
bask in the sun
basked in their success

More from Merriam-Webster on bask

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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