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

As summer approaches, the quest for the perfect beer to sip while basking in the sun begins. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Let the mask sit for 10 to 20 minutes to let all that essence soak in and prepare yourself to bask in your new glow. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025

Wednesday night gives us a grudge match worth watching, and a sliding-doors moment to bask in and nerd out. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

Nothing quite compares to the joy of sitting by the beach, breathing in the warm ocean breeze, and basking in the beauty of your surroundings. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 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