noun

tentacle

TEHN-tuh-kuhl

Tentacle (noun) means a long, flexible, limb-like organ used for grasping or feeling, found on animals like octopuses and squid. Example: “The octopus wrapped a tentacle around the jar to open it.”

noun

A long, flexible, limb-like organ used for grasping or feeling, found on animals like octopuses and squid.

"The octopus wrapped a tentacle around the jar to open it."

A far-reaching branch of influence or control, especially of something sinister.

"The cartel's tentacles reached into the local police force."

How to use tentacle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sea-creature's grasping limb, or figuratively, a spreading reach of influence.

Common pairings

reach its tentacles a tentacle of

Word forms

tentacled past tense, tentacles plural, tentacles singular

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The octopus wrapped a _____ around the jar to open it.

Etymology

From New Latin tentaculum, from Latin tentare ("to feel, try").

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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tentaculum

Rhymes for tentacle

oracle miracle debacle treacle pinnacle obstacle barnacle tabernacle receptacle

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Frequently asked questions

What does “tentacle” mean?

The word “tentacle” means a long, flexible, limb-like organ used for grasping or feeling, found on animals like octopuses and squid. In plain terms, a sea-creature's grasping limb, or figuratively, a spreading reach of influence.

How do you pronounce “tentacle”?

“Tentacle” is pronounced TEHN-tuh-kuhl (/ˈtɛntəkəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “tentacle” in a sentence?

Here is “tentacle” used in a sentence: “The octopus wrapped a tentacle around the jar to open it.”

What is another word for “tentacle”?

Words with a similar meaning to “tentacle” include tentaculum.

What part of speech is “tentacle”?

“Tentacle” is a noun.

Where does the word “tentacle” come from?

The word “tentacle” comes from New Latin. From New Latin tentaculum, from Latin tentare ("to feel, try").

How many meanings does “tentacle” have?

“Tentacle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, flexible, limb-like organ used for grasping or feeling, found on animals like octopuses and squid.