basking shark

noun

bask·​ing shark ˈba-skiŋ- How to pronounce basking shark (audio)
: a large plankton-feeding shark (Cetorhinus maximus) that has an oil-rich liver and may attain a length of up to 45 feet (13.7 meters)

Examples of basking shark in a Sentence

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.
The basking shark is the second-largest fish species after the whale shark. Charna Flam, People.com, 28 May 2025 White sharks have a pointed dorsal fin, while basking sharks have a rounded fin. Rick Sobey, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025 The 7 Seas will more often see basking sharks and blue sharks. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025 Additionally, basking sharks are often mistaken for great white sharks, but the latter have pointed dorsal fins, while basking sharks have rounded fins. Charna Flam, People.com, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for basking shark

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basking shark was circa 1769

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Cite this Entry

“Basking shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basking%20shark. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

basking shark

noun
: a large shark that feeds on plankton and may reach 45 feet (13.7 meters) in length

More from Merriam-Webster on basking shark

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