shark
Shark (noun) means a large predatory fish with a skeleton made of cartilage rather than bone, known for its rows of sharp teeth. Example: “A great white shark was spotted just off the coast.”
How to Use Shark
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the ocean predator, or — as slang — a ruthless, skilled person who preys on others, especially for money.
Don't confuse the innocent fish sense with the slang sense (loan shark, card shark) — context makes it clear which is meant.
Word Forms
sharked past tense, sharked past tense, sharked past tense, sharks plural, sharks plural, sharks singular, sharks singular, sharks singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
A great white _____ was spotted just off the coast.
Etymology
First recorded in English in the 1400s referring to the fish, origin uncertain — possibly linked to an older sense of "shark" meaning a swindler or rogue, since sharks (the fish) have long symbolised ruthless predators.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for shark
See all rhymes for shark →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “shark” mean?
The word “shark” means a large predatory fish with a skeleton made of cartilage rather than bone, known for its rows of sharp teeth. In plain terms, either the ocean predator, or — as slang — a ruthless, skilled person who preys on others, especially for money.
How do you pronounce “shark”?
“Shark” is pronounced shahk (/ʃɑɹk/ in IPA).
How do you use “shark” in a sentence?
Here is “shark” used in a sentence: “A great white shark was spotted just off the coast.”
What is another word for “shark”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shark” include haye.
What part of speech is “shark”?
Depending on how it is used, “shark” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shark” come from?
The word “shark” dates back to around 1400. First recorded in English in the 1400s referring to the fish, origin uncertain — possibly linked to an older sense of "shark" meaning a swindler or rogue, since sharks (the fish) have long symbolised ruthless predators.
Is “shark” a common word?
“Shark” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “shark” have?
“Shark” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large predatory fish with a skeleton made of cartilage rather than bone, known for its rows of sharp teeth.
What is the difference between a shark and a loan shark?
A shark is a large cartilaginous predatory fish, while a loan shark is a person who lends money at extremely high interest and exploits borrowers. The second use draws on the figurative meaning of shark as someone who ruthlessly cheats others in money matters.
What is a card shark or a pool shark?
A card shark or pool shark is a person who is highly skilled at cards or pool and uses that skill to win money from others, sometimes by deception. The term extends the figurative sense of shark as someone who exploits people for gain.
Do sharks have bones?
No. A shark's skeleton is made of cartilage rather than bone, which is lighter and more flexible than the bony skeletons of most other fish. This is one of the defining features that sets sharks apart.
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