octopus

noun

oc·​to·​pus ˈäk-tə-pəs 

-ˌpu̇s

plural octopuses or octopi ˈäk-tə-ˌpī 

1

plural also octopodes äk-​ˈtä-​pə-​ˌdēz 

-​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 sells

—Atlantic

Illustration of octopus

• octopus 1

Examples of octopus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In both economy and premium cabins, new interpretations of Korean bibimbap with brisket, octopus, or truffles. —Chris Dong, AFAR Media, 22 May 2025

Then comes Saturday’s showstopper: the Seafood Slam, featuring over 70 seafood dishes from 25 standout restaurants—think lobster rolls, coconut ceviche, grilled octopus, and smoked crab cigars. —Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025

On the menu was bone marrow, charred octopus with tentacles sprawling off the serving platter, and a deep-red cherry jubilee with an uncanny resemblance to blood (Isabelle even used a flambé technique at the table to wow her guests). —Ginger Perra, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025

Tracy Morgan is one such person who developed a fascination with the octopus. —Abigail Lee, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Octopod-, Octopus, from Greek oktōpous

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for octopus

• blunderbuss
• platypus
• xenopus
• pithecanthropus
• puss

Kids Definition

octopus

noun

oc·​to·​pus ˈäk-tə-pəs 

plural octopuses or octopi -ˌpī 

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"