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

Pubbelly Sushi regulars quickly learned about life beyond the spicy tuna roll, though make no mistake, the big eye tuna roll is technically a spicy tuna roll with crispy rice and truffle oil, and there are plenty of classic rolls. —Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025

Tuna or Salmon Salad on Crackers Canned tuna and salmon are rich in the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA, which support heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 23 Sep. 2025

Researchers believe compounds in turmeric, seaweed, soy, and fatty fish (such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna) could have neuroprotective effects. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2025

Starters include a tuna tartare with purple yam chips and crème fraiche drawing from a Dior tulle gown worn by actress Emilia Clarke at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and a black truffle agnolotti with mushroom consommé referencing Charlize Theron’s 2006 J’Adore campaign. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025

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 mayonnaise
• yellowfin tuna

Rhymes for tuna

• kuna
• luna
• calluna
• lacuna
• laguna
• tribuna
• varuna
• vicuna

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