octopus

noun

oc·​to·​pus ˈäk-tə-pəs 

-ˌpu̇s

plural octopuses or octopi ˈäk-tə-ˌpī 

1

plural also octopodes äk-​ˈtä-​pə-​ˌdēz 

-​ˈtō-

: any of a genus (Octopus) of cephalopod mollusks that have eight muscular arms equipped with two rows of suckers

broadly : any octopod excepting the paper nautilus

2

: something that resembles an octopus especially in having many centrally directed branches

an octopus of a corporation which lends, buys, produces, and sells

—Atlantic

Illustration of octopus

• octopus 1

Examples of octopus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The world’s oceans are home to as many as 300 species of octopuses, each more remarkable than the last. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024

One of the many amazing facts about the octopus that helped drive this work was that the creatures have as many as 2000 suckers. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024

Make bathtime fun with this adorable swimming octopus on sale for just $8 or a sorting farmhouse from Melissa & Doug to take along on play dates. —Laura Lu, Parents, 1 Oct. 2024

Mekki and another executive within the antitrust division have octopus plush toys in their office to reinforce the metaphor. —Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Octopod-, Octopus, from Greek oktōpous

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

octopus

noun

oc·​to·​pus ˈäk-tə-pəs 

plural octopuses or octopi -ˌpī 

1

: any of various sea mollusks that are cephalopods having eight muscular arms with two rows of suckers which hold objects (as its prey)

2

: something suggestive of an octopus

especially : a powerful grasping organization with many branches

Etymology

from scientific Latin Octopod-, Octopus "octopus," from Greek oktōpous, literally, "eight-footed," from oktō "eight" and pous "foot"