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
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Since then, local fishers have released 979 whale sharks! Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 The resort also offers cave tubing, jungle trekking, ziplining, and diving excursions, and during the season, guests can dive with whale sharks, which are often spotted near Placencia. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Each day delivers thrilling action and doubles as a marine safari, with sightings of turtles, pods of dolphins, a shiver of sharks, and even a feeding whale shark. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2025 For guests in the mood for snorkeling (watch out for whale sharks), the resort can arrange a yacht tour to Isla Mujeres. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whale shark

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whale shark was circa 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Whale shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whale%20shark. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

whale shark

noun
: a harmless shark of warm waters that feeds chiefly on plankton, may sometimes grow to a length of up to 60 feet (18.3 meters), and is the largest known fish

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