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
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.
Noun
Chef Carlos’s Toro Taco, showcasing Bluefin tuna from Ensenada, pays homage to the humble taco and embodies the resort’s commitment to sustainable seafood. Caroline Tell, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Guests can partake in Muay Thai classes, a White Lotus screening in the private cinema, and southern Thai specialties like larb tuna and Wagyu beef cheek in a cardamom curry. Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2024 Optimal ingredients include nuts and avocados, which are rich in heart-protective poly- and monounsaturated fats; dairy products like eggs and cheese; and sources of complete protein such as tuna, chicken, and turkey. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 22 Oct. 2024 While this sounds like common sense, pantry shelves can hide things like a can of tuna that expired back in the Bush presidency or a box of crackers that were used to ring in New Year back in 2020. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tuna 

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 27 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

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