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 of bask

• 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

For now, Harris is mostly basking in the warm glow of supporters at events and fielding petitions from candidates seeking her support and circling up with the small team of advisers she’s kept with her as a civilian. —Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 21 May 2026

Days are spent basking on the hotel's private plage, going for a swim when the mood suits. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2026

On its lip, a small snail is not only basking in the poison but converting it into a shell that is part iron. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 May 2026

The winners came dressed to impress and were eager to promote their projects and bask in the glory of being declared the best of the internet. —Joshua Dudley, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

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