DEFINITIONS
The
2019 WORD
OF THE YEAR is...

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

sharia, sharia-compliant, sharif, sharing economy, shariʿa, shark, shark bell, shark biscuit, shark net, shark patrol, shark repellent

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

1
First recorded in 1560–70; origin uncertain

OTHER WORDS FROM shark

shark·like, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for sharklike

  • The lean, sharklike Hardy looked a little depressed at this accusation.

    The Bad Man|Charles Hanson Towne

  • All the rays are carnivorous, but only the sharklike forms (sawfishes and the Rhinobatid) actively pursue their prey.

    Zoology: The Science of Animal Life|Ernest Ingersoll

  • She adored courage, and had always cherished a belief that Bismarck's sharklike jaws implied the possession of latent ferocity.

    All on the Irish Shore|E. Somerville and Martin Ross

  • With a sharklike grin, the worthy Captain Pedrillo removed this difficulty.

    The Treasure of Pearls|Gustave Aimard

British Dictionary definitions for sharklike (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, adjective

Word Origin for shark

C16: of uncertain origin

British Dictionary definitions for sharklike (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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012