octopus

noun

oc·​to·​pus ˈäk-tə-pəs How to pronounce octopus (audio)
-ˌpu̇s
plural octopuses or octopi ˈäk-tə-ˌpī How to pronounce octopus (audio)
1
plural also octopodes äk-​ˈtä-​pə-​ˌdēz How to pronounce octopus (audio)
-​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 sellsAtlantic

Illustration of octopus

Illustration of octopus
  • octopus 1

Examples of octopus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Much about the lifestyle of Carnarvon flapjack octopuses remains unknown. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025 The octopus, whose inner monologue appears throughout the novel, becomes key in unraveling the decades-old mystery of Tova's son's disappearance. Jenna Dejong, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 Dumbo octopuses are named for the Disney elephant because of its ear-like fins. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 May 2025 Grilled octopus from the charcoal oven is deeply savory, smoky at the edges, and balanced with a splash of acidity. Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for octopus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Octopod-, Octopus, from Greek oktōpous

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of octopus was in 1759

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Cite this Entry

“Octopus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/octopus. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

octopus

noun
oc·​to·​pus ˈäk-tə-pəs How to pronounce octopus (audio)
plural octopuses or octopi -ˌpī How to pronounce octopus (audio)
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"

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