cephalopod

noun

ceph·​a·​lo·​pod ˈse-fə-lə-ˌpäd How to pronounce cephalopod (audio)
: any of a class (Cephalopoda) of marine mollusks including the squids, cuttlefishes, and octopuses that move by expelling water from a tubular siphon under the head and that have a group of muscular usually sucker-bearing arms around the front of the head, highly developed eyes, and usually a sac containing ink which is ejected for defense or concealment
cephalopod adjective

Examples of cephalopod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By the end of the third Avatar movie, the RDA is the one being judged (harshly) by the nightmare-inducing cephalopods. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 24 June 2026 Remarkably Bright Creatures is a movie, like its cephalopod supporting star, with a gentle soul and an elusive spirit. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 8 May 2026 That’s probably why the influencer chose to tow the cephalopod in a tank riding on a skateboard, complete with what appears to be a wireless aerator to supply the critter with oxygen. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 4 June 2026 Steller sea lions are active predators that hunt more than 100 species of fish — including Atka mackerel, pollock, salmon and cod — plus cephalopods like squid and octopus. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cephalopod

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from cephal- + Greek pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cephalopod was in 1826

Rhymes for cephalopod

See All Rhymes for cephalopod

Browse Nearby Words

Cephalophus
cephalopod
Cephalopterus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cephalopod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cephalopod. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cephalopod

noun
ceph·​a·​lo·​pod ˈsef-ə-lə-ˌpäd How to pronounce cephalopod (audio)
: any of a class of mollusks that include the squids, cuttlefishes, and octopuses and have a group of muscular sucker-bearing arms, highly developed eyes, and usually a bag of inky fluid which can be released for defense

More from Merriam-Webster on cephalopod

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cephalopod

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