nurse shark
noun
: any of various usually bottom-dwelling sharks (family Ginglymostomatidae) with barbels near the nostrils
especially
: a large yellowish to grayish brown shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) of warm usually shallow coastal waters that is typically nonaggressive and rests often in groups on the sea floor during the day
Examples of nurse shark in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Scientists analyzed serum samples of tiger sharks, blacktip sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, Atlantic nurse sharks and lemon sharks.
—
Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Though the famous Tropic of Cancer beach on Little Exuma is easily accessible by car for travelers staying on the archipelago’s two largest islands, travelers should plan a boat day to the cays to visit spots like Compass Cay, where friendly nurse sharks stalk tropical fish near natural tide pools.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
Guided reef snorkeling and snorkeling safaris with nurse sharks and rays offer another close-up look at the area’s vibrant marine life.
—Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The artificial reef created by the sinking of the U.S.S. Kittiwake is the place to go to spot stingrays, reef sharks, nurse sharks, and all kinds of tropical fish.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nurse shark
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Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Though the famous Tropic of Cancer beach on Little Exuma is easily accessible by car for travelers staying on the archipelago’s two largest islands, travelers should plan a boat day to the cays to visit spots like Compass Cay, where friendly nurse sharks stalk tropical fish near natural tide pools.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
Guided reef snorkeling and snorkeling safaris with nurse sharks and rays offer another close-up look at the area’s vibrant marine life.
—Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The artificial reef created by the sinking of the U.S.S. Kittiwake is the place to go to spot stingrays, reef sharks, nurse sharks, and all kinds of tropical fish.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nurse shark
Cite this Entry
“Nurse shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nurse%20shark. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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