tuna

1 of 2

noun (1)

tu·​na ˈtü-nə  ˈtyü- 

plural tuna or tunas

1

: any of various large vigorous scombroid fishes (as of the genera Euthynnus, Katsuwonus, and especially Thunnus) that are usually dark above and silvery below and include many that are valued as food or sport fishes see albacore, bigeye tuna, bluefin tuna, dogtooth tuna, little tunny, skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna

2

: the flesh of a tuna used for food

grilled tuna

specifically, sometimes tuna fish : tuna flesh that has been cooked and canned

—often used before another noun

tuna salad

a tuna fish sandwich

tuna

2 of 2

noun (2)

tu·​na ˈtü-nə 

1

: any of various flat-jointed prickly pears (genus Opuntia)

especially : one (O. tuna) of tropical America

2

: the edible fruit of a tuna

Examples of tuna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Nonprofit culinary program opens restaurant, launches Sunday brunch PAO's menu features a variety of small and large plate items such as Pao Pao shrimp, tuna carpaccio and lo mein mein noodles. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 9 May 2024

The legacy media is less trusted than week-old tuna salad. —Fox News, 8 May 2024

Pappa recommends scouring the fridge and pantry first – chicken or canned tuna are good options. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 5 May 2024

Last summer, The Golden Swan opened in the former Spotted Pig space, and their kitchen serves tuna carpaccio, Dover sole, and steak frites until midnight on weekends. —Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 3 May 2024

Look for dishes like Wagyu gyoza ($22); the White Lotus sushi roll ($26), made with popcorn shrimp tempura, avocado, asparagus, tuna and wasabi truffle soy; cauliflower ($15) with red dates and pine nuts; and Chilean seabass with truffle miso ($47). —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 2 May 2024

The tiny islands that make up the Maldives are surrounded by aquamarine water that is home to some 700 species of fish, including tuna wahoos and butterfly fish. —Melissa Locker, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2024

Glass and Vine Adults can enjoy decadent dishes like tuna tartare and chicken black truffle gnocchi while the kids dine from their own menu and play in the adjacent park. —Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2024

Performing before a wall festooned with hundreds of tuna tails, Mr. Amagatsu created movements that seemed to reduce himself to the figure of a boy. —Alex Williams, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

American Spanish, alteration of Spanish atún, modification of Arabic tūn, from Latin thunnus, from Greek thynnos

Noun (2)

Spanish, from Taino

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tuna

• bigeye tuna
• bluefin tuna
• dogtooth tuna
• little tuna
• skipjack tuna
• tuna fish
• tuna mayonnaise
• yellowfin tuna

Kids Definition

tuna

noun

tu·​na

ˈt(y)ü-nə

plural tuna or tunas

1

: any of several mostly large sea fishes (as an albacore or bonito) related to the mackerels and caught for food and sport

2

: the flesh of a tuna especially when canned for use as food

called also tuna fish