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

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 notes

In 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.

Word forms

cuttlefishes plural, cuttlefish plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “cuttlefish” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

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.