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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
Head to Green Island for one of the finest spots, Cades Reef, best for spotting lobsters, eagle stingrays, and nurse sharks.
—
Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024
Sea turtles, nurse sharks, reef fish and corals have all been spotted in the waters.
—
Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2024
But there’s plenty more for wildlife enthusiasts to watch for, from brahminy kites to nurse sharks.
—
Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2024
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, find sharks at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa and one nurse shark at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
—
Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2024
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Word History
Etymology
alteration of nusse
First Known Use
1851, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near nurse shark
Cite this Entry
“Nurse shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nurse%20shark. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
nurse shark
noun
: a shark of warm waters that is active at night
More from Merriam-Webster on nurse shark
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nurse shark
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