bask

verb

ˈbask How to pronounce bask (audio)
basked; basking; basks
Synonyms of bask

intransitive verb

1
: to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere
basking in the warmth of the sun
2
: to take pleasure or derive enjoyment
basked in the spotlight

transitive verb

obsolete : to warm by continued exposure to heat
… basks at the fire his hairy strength …—John Milton

Synonyms of bask

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Examples of bask in a Sentence

We sat basking in the sun. Tourists were basking on the beaches. He stood before the audience, basking in their applause.
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.
Stars are shining before us, right now, and any moment spent lamenting the way their games appear is a moment lost to bask in their brilliance. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 And now, with championship aspirations entering his 13th season, and fifth in Los Angeles, Mack is basking in his role as the Chargers’ elder statesman. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Heidi Klum basked in the sunshine while on vacation with family. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 And in the museum’s quiet moments in between, Hellerstein’s made a habit of going into the Ebbets Field room, turning off the ceiling light, and basking in the glow of the orbs in baseball’s most famous rotunda. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bask

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from Old Norse bathask, reflexive of batha to bathe; akin to Old English bæth bath

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of bask was circa 1616

Phrases Containing bask

Rhymes for bask

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Browse Nearby Words

basitemporal
bask
Baskerville
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Cite this Entry

“Bask.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bask. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bask

verb
ˈbask How to pronounce bask (audio)
: to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere
bask in the sun
basked in their success

More from Merriam-Webster on bask

Nglish: Translation of bask for Spanish Speakers

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