whale shark

noun

: a shark (Rhincodon typus) of warm waters that has small teeth, feeds chiefly on plankton strained by its gill rakers, may sometimes attain a length of up to 60 feet (18.3 meters), and is the largest known fish

Examples of whale shark in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From whale sharks and sand tiger sharks to great white encounters, shark conservation and the lasting impact of Jaws, the hourlong special explores the science, stories and surprises behind some of the ocean's most iconic predators. — Sarah Scanlan, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

Travelers can swim with whale sharks in seasonal gathering spots where the gentle filter feeders congregate around abundant plankton, creating incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving. — Ashley Lynch july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

In recent years, researchers have documented silky sharks, grey reef sharks and Galápagos sharks rubbing against whale sharks in places like the Maldives, the Galápagos Islands and Revillagigedo itself. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Orcas have been observed ramming whale sharks as another orca held the prey steady. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for whale shark

• disembark
• matriarch
• meadowlark
• patriarch
• watermark
• arc
• ark
• bark
• barque
• dark
• hark
• lark

Kids Definition

whale shark

noun

: a harmless shark of warm waters that feeds chiefly on plankton, may sometimes grow to a length of up to 60 feet (18.3 meters), and is the largest known fish