blacktip shark

noun

black·​tip shark ˈblak-ˌtip- 

variants or blacktip or less commonly black-tipped shark

ˈblak-ˌtipt- 

: a small, grayish requiem shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) with black-tipped fins that is widely distributed in coastal tropical and subtropical seas

The vast majority of shark bites are from so-called hit-and-run attacks by smaller species, such as blacktip sharks. They mistake thrashing arms or dangling feet as a prey item, dart in, bite and let go when they realize it's not a fish.

—Tim Friend

Examples of blacktip shark in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most are from blacktip sharks, animals about six feet long that bite not out of hunger but confusion, in murky water, chasing baitfish and usually mistaking a swimmer’s foot for prey. — Kate Waxman, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026

That perception has shifted, at least in part thanks to scientists who discovered that a nearby cove is frequented by dozens of pregnant blacktip sharks, prompting efforts to protect the area. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

Despite their abundance in some regions, blacktip sharks are generally not considered dangerous to humans, though their preference for shallow waters means encounters can occur, especially in surf zones where people are also present. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Scientists analyzed serum samples of tiger sharks, blacktip sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, Atlantic nurse sharks and lemon sharks. — Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for blacktip shark

• disembark
• matriarch
• meadowlark
• patriarch
• watermark
• arc
• ark
• bark
• barque
• dark
• hark
• lark