whale shark
noun
: a shark (Rhincodon typus) of warm waters that has small teeth, feeds chiefly on plankton strained by its gill rakers, may sometimes attain a length of up to 60 feet (18.3 meters), and is the largest known fish
Examples of whale shark in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ari Atoll is one of the best places in the Maldives for whale shark diving, so the resort offers more than just beautiful beaches.
—
Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
From July to October, spot whale sharks and manta rays flocking by the hundreds, or save your trip for November through April to enjoy its dry season, with minimal rainfall, abundant sunshine (eight hours of sun per days’ worth), and high visibility for divers.
—Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
The fish have been found in the gills and cloacal openings of whale sharks and the mouths of lemon sharks.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 11 May 2026
After being rescued from a Taiwanese fish market several years ago, Yushan is the only whale shark in captivity in the Western Hemisphere, according to aquarium officials.
—CBS News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for whale shark
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.
Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
From July to October, spot whale sharks and manta rays flocking by the hundreds, or save your trip for November through April to enjoy its dry season, with minimal rainfall, abundant sunshine (eight hours of sun per days’ worth), and high visibility for divers.
—Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
The fish have been found in the gills and cloacal openings of whale sharks and the mouths of lemon sharks.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 11 May 2026
After being rescued from a Taiwanese fish market several years ago, Yushan is the only whale shark in captivity in the Western Hemisphere, according to aquarium officials.
—CBS News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for whale shark
Cite this Entry
“Whale shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whale%20shark. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
