octopus

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'octopus' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to a sea animal with eight arms, a soft body, and the ability to change color and texture to blend in with its surroundings. Example: The kids were fascinated by the octopus at the aquarium, as it gracefully glided through the water and changed its color right before their eyes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To get to know someone so different from myself as an octopus, and to know that the individual recognised me and even enjoyed my company, was an enormous privilege.

The Guardian

At the Sea Life aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand, Sony technicians working with the aquarium's animal trainers taught Rambo, a female octopus, to press the shutter on a special camera and take pictures of the visiting public (each photo sells for $NZ2 to support the aquarium's conservation programmes).

The Guardian

We spent one day submerged 42 feet on a Padi Try-Dive, spotting an octopus about to devour its paralysed prey; another, ascending the 1,716-foot 1,716-footsummitofntain, dodging lizardSage Mountaintrek through its semi-rainforest.

The Guardian - Travel

But even in Pirates of the Caribbean, when he was speaking with a Scottish accent and had his face obscured by octopus legs, Bill Nighy was still unmistakably Bill Nighy.

The Guardian - Film

Marine life is abundant, and you'll probably encounter seals, sharks, octopus, rays and more.

The Guardian - Travel

(Naturalist William Beebe admitted the touch of the octopus gave him the creeps).

The Guardian

An end to "octopus commissioning" — we need fewer commissioning channels.

The Guardian

Whether you sit at the old wooden back bar or take your cocktail upstairs to sip while you listen, the charcoal grill bar menu items (such as the grilled octopus) pair nicely with whiskey and song.

The Guardian - Travel

Moving down and through the old town centre, the impression of a European capital is maintained: the bustling Mercado Central, where I foolishly chewed on a piece of pulpo (octopus) to impress the locals; the Plaza de la Libertad; and the imposing edifice of La Moneda.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The largest shareholder of the company that owns the country's most famous newspaper, Corriere della Sera, is Mediobanca, an octopus-like investment bank which holds large stakes in many of Italy's biggest companies.

The Economist

But the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, far from being containable, encroaches octopus-like on the larger war.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "octopus" metaphorically to describe an organization, ensure the context clearly conveys the intended complexity and reach.

Common error

Avoid using "octopus" in contexts where its association with complexity or reach doesn't logically fit. Overusing metaphors can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The noun "octopus" primarily functions as a referential term for a marine animal. Examples from Ludwig show it used in both literal contexts (describing sea life) and figurative contexts (describing organizations).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Travel

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "octopus" is a versatile noun, used both literally to describe the marine animal and metaphorically to represent complex or far-reaching entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical usage is correct, with a high frequency across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Travel, and Science publications. While alternative terms like "cephalopod" exist, the specific connotations of "octopus" make it a unique and valuable term. When employing it metaphorically, ensure clarity to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devilfish

A synonymous, though less common, term for octopus.

polypus

Archaic synonym for octopus

cephalopod

Broader zoological term encompassing the octopus.

octopod

Another scientific name for the animal

eight-armed creature

Descriptive term highlighting the octopus's distinctive feature.

giant pacific octopus

Refers to a specific, large species of octopus.

multi-tentacled organization

Metaphorical extension of the term to a complex institution

marine mollusk

General term the falls into the class of animals

aquatic invertebrate

General term to describe a water and boneless animal

takoyaki

Name of the japanese dish with octopus

FAQs

How do I use "octopus" in a sentence?

You can use "octopus" to refer to the marine animal: "The diver spotted an octopus hiding in the coral reef." Or metaphorically: "The corporation acted like an octopus, extending its influence into various sectors."

What are some synonyms for "octopus"?

Synonyms include "devilfish" and "polypus". In metaphorical contexts, you might use "conglomerate" or "complex network".

Is it correct to use "octopus" to describe a business?

Yes, it's a common metaphor to describe a business or organization with many interconnected parts and extensive reach. The connotation is typically one of complexity and sometimes overreach, like the phrase "multi-tentacled organization".

What is the plural form of "octopus"?

The plural of "octopus" can be "octopuses" or "octopi". Although "octopi" is based on a Latin pluralization rule, "octopuses" is more commonly used in English.