tuna

1 of 2

noun (1)

tu·​na ˈtü-nə How to pronounce tuna (audio)
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 How to pronounce tuna (audio)
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
Tuna on Whole-Grain Crackers Canned tuna is a convenient source of healthy omega-3 fats. Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Oct. 2024 While canned tuna is lean and mean, sardines are delightfully rich. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 7 Oct. 2024 Diner standbys like a tuna melt, BLT or chili dog are $7.50, and can be polished off with a chocolate, vanilla, banana or strawberry milkshake for $5. Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024 For the Spanish fisherman who take to the Strait of Gibraltar nightly hunting for tuna, marlin and swordfish, the likelihood of an orca run-in has added another harrowing element to an already dangerous job. Josh Lederman, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tuna 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tuna.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tuna was circa 1555

Dictionary Entries Near tuna

Cite this Entry

“Tuna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tuna. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tuna

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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