basking shark

[ bas-king, bah-sking ]

noun

1. a large shark, Cetorhinus maximus, of cold and temperate seas, that often swims slowly or floats at the surface.

basking shark

noun

1. a very large plankton-eating shark, Cetorhinus maximus , often floating at the sea surface: family Cetorhinidae Also calledsailfish

Word History and Origins

Origin of basking shark¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

In its external characters the basking shark has much in common with the man-eater.

From Project Gutenberg

The Basking Shark derives its name from its habit of lying at the top of the water with its upper back above the water line.

From Project Gutenberg

In size they varied from that of the perch to that of a basking shark.

From Project Gutenberg

The largest of all fishes is the basking shark (Cetorhinus), which reaches a length of thirty-six feet.

From Project Gutenberg

Also, a name in the south for the basking shark, from its habit of lying in the sunshine.

From Project Gutenberg