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

Plant yourself along the two miles of pristine white sand beaches, bask in the butterfly garden, or explore the 28 miles of trails and the nature center. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 June 2026

Fans also basked in the outcome, with objectively much more difficult scenarios — on paper, anyway — avoided. —Tom Bogert, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Some New York Knicks fans are calling for one of the team's most famous supporters, Spike Lee, to get some shine as the team basks in championship glory. —Mason Leib, ABC News, 15 June 2026

Instead, the vibe was one of just basking in the summer sun and the world’s game. —Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 June 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