shark
1[ shahrk ]
/ ʃɑrk /
noun
any of a group of elongate elasmobranch, mostly marine fishes, certain species of which are large, voracious, and sometimes dangerous to humans.
Words nearby shark
Idioms for shark
jump the shark, Informal. to begin a decline in quality, popularity, relevance, etc., after reaching a peak: Some TV shows have jumped the shark once a popular cast member left the show.
Origin of shark
1First recorded in 1560–70; origin uncertain
OTHER WORDS FROM shark
shark·like, adjectiveDefinition for shark (2 of 2)
shark2
[ shahrk ]
/ ʃɑrk /
noun
a person who preys greedily on others, as by cheating or usury.
Informal. a person who has unusual ability in a particular field.
verb (used with object)
Archaic. to obtain by trickery or fraud; steal.
verb (used without object)
Archaic. to live by shifts and stratagems.
Origin of shark
21590–1600; < German dialect Schork, variant of Schurke rascal
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Examples from the Web for shark
British Dictionary definitions for shark (1 of 2)
shark1
/ (ʃɑːk) /
noun
any of various usually ferocious selachian fishes, typically marine with a long body, two dorsal fins, rows of sharp teeth, and between five and seven gill slits on each side of the head
Derived forms of shark
sharklike, adjectiveWord Origin for shark
C16: of uncertain origin
British Dictionary definitions for shark (2 of 2)
shark2
/ (ʃɑːk) /
noun
a person who preys on or victimizes others, esp by swindling or extortion
verb
archaic to obtain (something) by cheating or deception
Word Origin for shark
C18: probably from German Schurke rogue; perhaps also influenced by shark 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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