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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The design of the overwater villas is inspired by the patterns of whale sharks, while beach villas are infused with the complex designs and textures of mangroves. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Future test subjects could include larger animals such as dolphins and whale sharks. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2018 Understanding where whale sharks give birth and where their young spend their early years is critical for conservation efforts. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 As previously reported, the largest shark alive today, reaching up to 20 meters long, is the whale shark, a sedate filter feeder. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Mar. 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 28 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on whale shark

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