Search Dictionary
Definition of swellshark

swellshark

/ˈswɛl.ʃɑːrk/
swell · shark
Plural:swellsharks
JUMP TO:

swellshark Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A small, bottom-dwelling catshark of the genus Cephaloscyllium, native to the tropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, characterized by its ability to swallow water or air to inflate its stomach as a defense mechanism against predators.

Example

"When threatened by a larger predator, the swellshark quickly wedge itself into a rocky crevice and inflated its body with water, making it nearly impossible to extract."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for swellshark

• Nearby Words

swell
swellheaded
swelling
swellshark
swelter
sweltering
swelteringly

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'swell' and 'shark', named for the animal's unique defensive behavior of swallowing water or air to expand its body to twice its normal size.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Swellshark. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/swellshark
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.