bask

verb

ˈbask 

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

Synonyms

• relax
• rest

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

Forty-five minutes later, the racetrack appears almost without warning — coiled like a basking viper in the Tuscan countryside. —Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025

Most families stay in vacation rentals on these islands and spend their time basking on the sand or exploring nature. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025

For now, however, Chris seems content to bask in the glow of this alternate universe, unaware of the enemies bearing down on him. —Scott Meslow, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

In my two to three hours at the bagel shop, I was basked in nostalgia. —Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing bask

• bask in the glory
• bask in the reflected glory

Rhymes for bask

• ask
• basque
• cask
• casque
• flask
• mask
• masque
• pasch
• task
• subtask
• unmask

Kids Definition

bask

verb

ˈbask 

: to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere

bask in the sun

basked in their success