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.
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Nearby words
Idioms
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
Related forms
shark·like, adjectiveDefinition for shark (2 of 2)
shark
2[ 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. 2019
Examples from the Web for shark
British Dictionary definitions for shark (1 of 2)
shark
1/ (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
sharklike, adjectiveWord Origin for shark
C16: of uncertain origin
British Dictionary definitions for shark (2 of 2)
shark
2/ (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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