ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tuna

n.
US //ˈtjunə// UK //tjˈuːnɐ// tu·na
  1. 1 the fish (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    a large, fast-swimming sea fish that lives in warm oceans.

    any of several species of large marine fish in the family Scombridae, known for their speed and migratory habits.

    Example

    The documentary showed a huge tuna swimming through the deep blue water.

    Example

    Commercial fishing for bluefin tuna is strictly regulated in many international waters to prevent the collapse of local populations.

    Usage

    The plural can be either 'tuna' or 'tunas', though 'tuna' is more common when referring to the fish as a group.
    • tunny
  2. 2 the food (n.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    the meat of the tuna fish, often sold in cans or served as steaks.

    the edible flesh of the tuna, widely consumed as a source of protein in various culinary traditions.

    Example

    I usually have a tuna sandwich for lunch because it is quick to make.

    Example

    The chef prepared a delicate tartare of fresh yellowfin tuna, seasoned lightly with citrus and sea salt.

    Usage

    Uncountable when referring to the meat as food.

  3. 3 the cactus (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English

    a type of cactus with sharp spines, or the sweet fruit that grows on it.

    the prickly pear cactus of the genus Opuntia, or its edible, fleshy fruit.

    Example

    Be careful not to touch the tuna plant, as it is covered in tiny needles.

    Example

    In many arid regions, the fruit of the tuna is harvested and processed into jams or refreshing beverages.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the Southwestern United States and Mexico.
    • prickly pear
  4. 4 mythology (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Religion

    a god in some Pacific cultures who is the father of eels.

    a deity in Polynesian mythology, specifically associated with the origin of eels.

    Example

    The old story tells how the god Tuna was turned into the first eel.

    Example

    In Maori mythology, the death of Tuna led to the creation of the various species of eels found in the rivers.

Etymology 1

Etymology tree Arabic اَلْ (al-) Phoenicianbor. Ancient Greek θῠ́ννος (thŭ́nnos)bor. Latin thunnusbor. Arabic تُنّ (tunn) Arabic اَلتُّنّ (at-tunn) Andalusian Arabic [Term?]bor. Old Spanish atun Spanish atúnder. United States Spanish tunabor. English tuna Borrowed from United States Spanish tuna, alteration of Spanish atún, from Arabic اَلتُّنّ (at-tunn, “tuna”), from Latin thunnus, itself from Ancient Greek θύννος (thúnnos). Possibly in the sense of "darter" from thynein "to dart along". Doublet of tonno.

Etymology 2

From Taíno.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026