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

• kick back
• loll
• lounge
• relax
• repose
• 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

Indeed, the restaurant strikes me as a perfect choice for solo dining: belly up to the bar for a glass from the strong wine list, which foregrounds small producers, and order something to nibble on, or dive into, or bask in. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 June 2025

Best Overall: La Mer Crème de La Mer For a luxe option that really works, try La Mer’s Crème de La Mer (and bask in the skin care flex of displaying it on your sink). —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 13 June 2025

These lizards are semi-aquatic and can often be seen swimming or basking near water. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

In just one day, visitors can marvel at fascinating avifauna from the Caribbean and far beyond, all while basking in the dazzling landscapes that have earned the island worldwide acclaim. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 31 May 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