bask

verb

ˈbask 

basked; basking; basks

intransitive verb

1

: to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere

basking in the warmth of the sun

2

: to take pleasure or derive enjoyment

basked in the spotlight

transitive verb

obsolete : to warm by continued exposure to heat

… basks at the fire his hairy strength …

—John Milton

Synonyms

• kick back
• loll
• lounge
• relax
• repose
• rest

Examples of bask in a Sentence

We sat basking in the sun.

Tourists were basking on the beaches.

He stood before the audience, basking in their applause.

Recent Examples on the Web

If only the beloved Hunt, who died in 2006, could be here to bask in what started with the arrival of coach Andy Reid in 2013 and ignited when Mahomes became QB1 in the 2018 season. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025

Brittany Mahomes is basking in the cuteness of her newborn daughter. —Kayla Grant, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025

Michigan’s situation was particularly fragile given Harbaugh’s long-running flirtations with the NFL, so perhaps Ohio State will have more time to bask in the championship afterglow. —Austin Meek, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Steelers Nation can now bask in black and gold in Mexico — while enjoying Kentucky Fried Chicken. —Ryan Deto, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from Old Norse bathask, reflexive of batha to bathe; akin to Old English bæth bath

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing bask

• bask in the glory
• bask in the reflected glory

Kids Definition

bask

verb

ˈbask 

: to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere

bask in the sun

basked in their success