tuna

¹

[too-nuh, tyoo-]

noun

plural

tuna ,

plural

tunas .

1. any of several large food and game fishes of the family Scombridae, inhabiting temperate and tropical seas.

2. any of various related fishes.

3. Also called tuna fish. the flesh of the tuna, used as food.

tuna

²

[too-nuh, tyoo-]

noun

1. any of various prickly pears, prickly pears, especially either of two erect, treelike species, Opuntia tuna or O. ficus-indica, of Mexico, bearing a sweet, edible fruit.

2. the fruit of these plants.

tuna

¹

/ ˈtjuːnə /

noun

1. Also called: tunny. any of various large marine spiny-finned fishes of the genus Thunnus , esp T. thynnus , chiefly of warm waters: family Scombridae . They have a spindle-shaped body and widely forked tail, and are important food fishes

2. any of various similar and related fishes

tuna

²

/ ˈtjuːnə /

noun

1. any of various tropical American prickly pear cacti, esp Opuntia tuna , that are cultivated for their sweet edible fruits

2. the fruit of any of these cacti

Word History and Origins

Origin of tuna¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1880–85; from Spanish (California), variant of Spanish atún, from Arabic al “the” + tūn, from Greek thýnnos tunny

Origin of tuna²

First recorded in 1545–55; from Spanish, from Taíno

Word History and Origins

Origin of tuna¹

C20: from American Spanish, from Spanish atún , from Arabic tūn , from Latin thunnus tunny, from Greek

Origin of tuna²

C16: via Spanish from Taino

Example Sentences

The omakase tower offers a selection of sushi, tuna tartare, spicy tuna crispy rice, sashimi, and rolls — perfect for those who enjoy heavily sauced sushi.

From Salon

Born in Seattle, Kawahara was a professional fisherman who focused on salmon, albacore tuna and halibut.

From Los Angeles Times

The shop has also seen its share of massive fish, including when store owner Ken Brown hooked a 202.6-pound bluefin tuna in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times

Onigiri is popular among customers who want grab-and-go meals as the rice balls are easy to carry - wrapped in nori or dried seaweed and filled with protein like tuna salad or cod eggs.

From BBC

Scientists and amateur naturalists have observed a remarkable range of species not usually widespread in UK waters, including octopus, bluefin tuna and mauve stinger jellyfish.

From BBC