great white shark

noun

: a large mackerel shark (Carcharodon carcharias) of warm seas that is bluish when young but becomes whitish with age and has been known to attack humans

called also white shark

see shark illustration

Examples of great white shark in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What would happen if great white sharks disappear from Cape Cod? Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2025 Megalodon’s teeth resemble those of a modern great white shark, so some scientists previously concluded that the two sharks had a similar stout body shape. Kate Golembiewski, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 He was also empowered to achieve a lifestyle by design that is filled with adventure, including completing IRONMAN triathlons and diving with great white sharks. Kody Boye, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 Autumn, late March through early June, is thought to be the best time to go cage diving with great white sharks. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for great white shark

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great white shark was in 1774

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Cite this Entry

“Great white shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20white%20shark. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

great white shark

noun
: a large and dangerous shark of warm seas that is quick to attack human beings and is bluish when young but becomes whitish with age

Medical Definition

great white shark

noun
: a large shark (Carcharodon carcharias of the family Lamnidae) that is bluish when young but becomes whitish with age and has been known to attack humans

called also white shark

More from Merriam-Webster on great white shark

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