What does octopus mean?
Octopus is the standard English name for a group of marine cephalopod molluscs distinguished by eight flexible arms lined with suckers. The singular refers to one animal; octopuses is the usual plural, although octopi is also widely accepted. In precise zoological usage, the limbs are called arms rather than tentacles. The word also has a vivid figurative use for a person who can manage numerous tasks, responsibilities, or people at once, often with considerable dexterity and independence. This sense is generally informal but familiar in business and political discussion, where it may be flattering or mildly ironic. As a verb, octopus is rare and means to handle several activities or responsibilities simultaneously. Octopus is therefore useful both as a precise biological term and as a memorable metaphor for multitasking. Its unusual anatomy, rapid colour changes, and remarkable intelligence also make it a recurring subject of natural-history writing and popular science.
A soft-bodied marine mollusc with eight muscular arms bearing suckers; figuratively, a person able to manage many tasks or responsibilities at once.
"The octopus emerged from its den carrying a small shell."
The zoological sense is standard. The figurative sense is informal and depends on the implication of reaching in several directions or managing several things simultaneously.
To act or work in an octopus-like way, handling several tasks, responsibilities, or operations at once.
"She somehow managed to octopus every account before lunch."
Rare and informal.
Octopuses is the standard plural. Octopi is also accepted and widely used, especially in general and informal contexts.
"Several octopuses sheltered beneath the reef."
An octopus has three hearts—and one of them stops beating whenever it swims.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does octopus come from?
The English word entered use in the early 17th century from Latin octopus, a Latinized form of Greek oktōpous, meaning “eight-footed.” Greek oktō means “eight” and pous means “foot,” describing an animal whose eight arms grow from the head region. English octopus ultimately belongs to the same Indo-European numeral family as Latin octo, reflected in cognates such as octave, octet, octuple, and octagonal.
Related word forms
How octopus is actually used
The zoological noun is neutral and standard in general, scientific, and journalistic writing. Although its eight limbs are technically arms rather than tentacles, the latter term remains common in general usage. The figurative noun and the verb are usually informal; the figurative sense can be sincerely complimentary or mildly ironic. The initial vowel is /ɒ/ in British English and /ɑː/ in North American English.
Easily confused with octopus
Octopi is a widely used plural of octopus, whereas octopus names a single animal.