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

Those seeking a quieter season can bask in a mini Boygenius reunion on Lucy Dacus’ new one, and Julien Baker has an album, too, having teamed with Torres for a country record borne of a decade-old dream. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2025

The magazine said residents can bask in warm weather while shopping downtown or attending events at the Sebring International Raceway. —Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025

Agamas are bold, fast and often bask near large animals like lions—soaking up warmth and opportunistically foraging for insects drawn to their presence. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Over the course of 40 years or so, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa basked in the peacefulness that Santa Fe, New Mexico, has to offer. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 6 Mar. 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