whale shark

noun

: a shark (Rhincodon typus) of warm waters that has small teeth, feeds chiefly on plankton strained by its gill rakers, may sometimes attain a length of up to 60 feet (18.3 meters), and is the largest known fish

Examples of whale shark in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Understanding where whale sharks give birth and where their young spend their early years is critical for conservation efforts. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 As previously reported, the largest shark alive today, reaching up to 20 meters long, is the whale shark, a sedate filter feeder. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Mar. 2025 At almost 60 feet long, whale sharks are the largest fish on the planet and can certainly feed a big and hungry orca whale. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Dec. 2024 This move paralyzes them and causes the whale sharks to slip into a kind of trance. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for whale shark

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whale shark was circa 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Whale shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whale%20shark. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

whale shark

noun
: a harmless shark of warm waters that feeds chiefly on plankton, may sometimes grow to a length of up to 60 feet (18.3 meters), and is the largest known fish

More from Merriam-Webster on whale shark

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