shark
shark Lexical Profile
shark Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large marine predatory fish characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven gill slits, and typically a prominent dorsal fin.
"The great white shark is one of the ocean's most formidable predators."
A person who ruthlessly exploits or extorts others, particularly in financial matters.
"He fell into severe debt after borrowing money from a neighborhood loan shark."
A highly skilled person in a specific game or activity who deceives others about their ability level in order to win money.
"The local pool shark pretended to be an amateur before taking everyone's bets."
• verb
To obtain money or an advantage by deceit, trickery, or fraud.
"They were accused of sharking unsuspecting tourists out of their life savings."
To fish for or hunt sharks.
"The crew spent the entire weekend sharking off the coast of Florida."
Word Nuance & Usage
When describing a skilled and deceptive gambler, 'shark' is often used interchangeably with 'sharp' (e.g., 'card shark' versus 'card sharp').
• Rhymes for shark
Word Origin & Etymology
Of uncertain origin; first introduced to English by sailors in the 1560s. It may derive from the Yucatec Maya word 'xook' (a type of fish) or the Dutch 'schurk' (villain, scoundrel), which was later applied to the predatory fish.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.