bask

verb

basked; basking; basks

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.
In my two to three hours at the bagel shop, I was basked in nostalgia. Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025 And in recent years, Venice has offered its share of memorable red-carpet looks (think Lady Gaga and her haute couture headpiece) and viral moments that draw the attention of the world (a teary Brendan Fraser basking in a standing ovation). Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025 Following the premiere screening, Elordi, his director, and castmates Oscar Isaac and Mia Goth bask in the adulation of the crowd, and the Euphoria star wipes tears from his eyes, as video captured by The Hollywood Reporter shows. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Or escape completely from the fray and bask in the quiet of the adults-only Hibiscus Pool or the 50,000-square-foot spa, the largest in the state. Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 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 8 Sep. 2025.

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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