shark — a large sea fish with very sharp teeth and a pointed fin on its back
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a large sea fish with very sharp teeth and a pointed fin on its back
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʃɑrk/
Example Sentences
- My swimming instructor said I swim like a shark, but I think he meant more like a goldfish.
- The documentary showed how sharks are actually more afraid of humans than we are of them.
- He's such a business shark that he could sell ice to penguins in Antarctica.
shark
NOUN[/ʃɑrk/]
a large sea fish with very sharp teeth and a pointed fin on its back
Large sea fish with sharp teeth
A shark prowls in the dark beneath the peaceful park.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'shark' originated in the 16th century from German 'Schurke', meaning 'scoundrel' or 'villain'. It initially referred to a swindler or dishonest person before being transferred metaphorically to the large predatory fish, likely due to the creature's aggressive and voracious nature.
Breakdown
German Schurke (scoundrel, rogue) → English shark. The semantic shift reflects the predatory and ruthless characteristics associated with both the human criminal and the marine predator.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My swimming instructor said I swim like a shark, but I think he meant more like a goldfish.”
“The documentary showed how sharks are actually more afraid of humans than we are of them.”
“He's such a business shark that he could sell ice to penguins in Antarctica.”
“Marine biologists use special cages to study shark behavior safely.”
📚Related Words
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