ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tentacles

n. plural-only
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɛntəkəɫz// UK //tˈɛntəkəlz// ten·ta·cles

n. long, thin, flexible arms on certain animals like octopuses or jellyfish. They use them to move, feel things, or catch food.

n. long, flexible, prehensile appendages found in many invertebrate and some vertebrate animals. Used primarily for grasping, feeding, or sensory perception.


SIMPLE

The octopus used its tentacles to grab a small crab.

CONTEXTUAL

Divers watched as the jellyfish trailed its long, stinging tentacles through the water to catch tiny fish.

COMPLEX

The giant squid's tentacles are equipped with powerful suckers that allow it to maintain a firm grip on its prey even in the high-pressure environment of the deep ocean.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually appears in the plural form when referring to the animal's limbs; can be used metaphorically to describe the far-reaching influence of an organization.

© 2026 English Reference