Search Dictionary
Definition of zebra shark

zebra shark

Plural:zebra sharks
JUMP TO:

• noun

1

A species of nocturnal carpet shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) found in the shallow coral reefs of the tropical Indo-Pacific, characterized by five longitudinal ridges on a cylindrical body, a very long tail fin, and a dramatic shift in coloration from stripes in juveniles to spots in adults.

Example

"During our dive over the Indo-Pacific coral reef, we spotted an adult zebra shark resting quietly on the sandy bottom."

Word Nuance & Usage

The zebra shark is frequently confused with the leopard shark in popular terminology; its name derives exclusively from the striking striped pattern of the juveniles, but adult zebra sharks actually develop a spotted pattern.

• Nearby Words

zebra loach
zebra moray
zebra pleco
zebra shark
zebra snake
zebra spitting cobra
zebra-tailed lizard

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Zebra shark. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/zebra-shark
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.