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

• relax
• 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

Just days prior, Austinites were basking in pool-worthy sunshine and prime tanning conditions. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

For now, Netflix is staying quiet, basking instead in what one imagines as the pink glow of Season 3’s soaring viewership stats. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025

The primary suite sports vineyard views and a private terrace for basking in the warm NorCal weather. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 June 2025

There's nothing quite like basking in the sun on a glorious, care-free vacation day. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 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

Rhymes for bask

• ask
• basque
• cask
• casque
• flask
• mask
• masque
• pasch
• task
• subtask
• unmask

Kids Definition

bask

verb

ˈbask 

: to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere

bask in the sun

basked in their success