octopus
word
/ˈɑktəˌpʊs/
/ˈɒktəpəs/
Definition
A soft-bodied sea animal with eight long arms, known for its intelligence and ability to squirt ink when threatened.
Usage & Nuances
'Octopus' is countable (one octopus, two octopuses/octopi), but both plurals are accepted. Used literally for the animal and figuratively for something with many controlling arms. Common in marine biology, cooking, and metaphors.
Spanish: pulpoPortuguese (BR): polvoPortuguese (PT): polvoChinese (Simplified): 章鱼Chinese (Traditional): 章魚Hindi: ऑक्टोपसArabic: أخطبوطBengali: অক্টোপাসRussian: осьминогJapanese: タコVietnamese: bạch tuộcKorean: 문어Turkish: ahtapotUrdu: آکٹپسIndonesian: gurita
Example Sentences
The octopus has eight arms.
basic
We saw an octopus at the aquarium.
basic
Her arms moved so fast, she looked like an octopus!
natural
The octopus can change its color to hide.
basic
I tried grilled octopus for the first time in Spain.
natural
The octopus escaped through a tiny hole in the tank!
natural