noun
cuttlefish
KUHTL-fihsh
Cuttlefish (noun) means a squid-like sea creature with eight arms, two long tentacles, and an internal shell, known for squirting dark ink when threatened. Example: “The cuttlefish changed colour instantly to blend into the coral.”
noun
1
A squid-like sea creature with eight arms, two long tentacles, and an internal shell, known for squirting dark ink when threatened.
"The cuttlefish changed colour instantly to blend into the coral."
"Divers watched a cuttlefish hover motionless before darting away."
How to use cuttlefish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA squid-like sea animal famous for changing colour rapidly and squirting ink for defence.
Common mistake
Despite the name, a cuttlefish isn't a fish at all — it's a mollusc, closely related to squid and octopuses.
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Word forms
- Plural
- cuttlefishes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ changed colour instantly to blend into the coral.
Etymology
From cuttle (an old word for the animal, of uncertain origin) plus fish.
Synonyms
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cuttle
sepia
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “cuttlefish” mean?
The word “cuttlefish” means a squid-like sea creature with eight arms, two long tentacles, and an internal shell, known for squirting dark ink when threatened. In plain terms, a squid-like sea animal famous for changing colour rapidly and squirting ink for defence.
How do you pronounce “cuttlefish”?
“Cuttlefish” is pronounced KUHTL-fihsh (/ˈkʌt(ə)lfɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cuttlefish” in a sentence?
Here is “cuttlefish” used in a sentence: “The cuttlefish changed colour instantly to blend into the coral.”
What part of speech is “cuttlefish”?
“Cuttlefish” is a noun.
