cephalopod

noun

ceph·​a·​lo·​pod ˈse-fə-lə-ˌpäd 

: any of a class (Cephalopoda) of marine mollusks including the squids, cuttlefishes, and octopuses that move by expelling water from a tubular siphon under the head and that have a group of muscular usually sucker-bearing arms around the front of the head, highly developed eyes, and usually a sac containing ink which is ejected for defense or concealment

cephalopod adjective

Examples of cephalopod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The innumerable cephalopods illuminate the ocean, creating a spectacle of sparkling light that captivates and delights. —Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025

In this Oscar-winning documentary, filmmaker Craig Foster free-dives daily in a South African kelp forest to follow a single cephalopod over a year. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025

Weighing up to 26 pounds (12 kg) and with an arm span reaching nearly 10 feet (3 m), this formidable cephalopod is known for its intelligence, adaptability, and ability to change color and texture to blend into its surroundings. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

The small cephalopods use the venom to protect themselves and kill their prey. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from cephal- + Greek pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cephalopod

• brachiopod
• upanishad
• abroad
• applaud
• backboard
• ballade
• defraud
• ephod
• facade
• guffawed
• outlawed
• ramrod

Kids Definition

cephalopod

noun

ceph·​a·​lo·​pod ˈsef-ə-lə-ˌpäd 

: any of a class of mollusks that include the squids, cuttlefishes, and octopuses and have a group of muscular sucker-bearing arms, highly developed eyes, and usually a bag of inky fluid which can be released for defense