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

For protein, Tanumihardjo recommends canned beans or tuna, which are often available at convenience stores, along with peanut butter, a good source of both protein and healthy fats. —April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025

Its first store, situated in an industrial building near San Diego’s tuna canneries, opened in November of 1954 and sold, among other things, appliances, clothing, and liquor. —Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

As for the trick-or-treaters who may encounter tuna jerky this year? —Liz Regalia, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025

Slice the tuna nearly paper-thin and arrange on a plate. —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 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