When it comes to the plural of “octopus,” there seems to be some confusion. You may have heard different versions of the plural form, such as “octopi,” “octopuses,” or even “octopodes.” So, which one is correct? In this article, we will explore the plural form of octopus and provide you with a clear understanding of how to use it correctly in English.
Definition and Plural of Octopus
What Does “Octopus” Mean?
An octopus is a marine animal with eight arms, known for its intelligence, flexibility, and ability to change color. It belongs to the mollusk family Cephalopoda, which also includes squids and cuttlefish.
Simple Definition:
- Octopus = a soft-bodied sea creature with eight arms and no bones.
Examples:
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The octopus hid under a rock to escape a predator.
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I saw an octopus at the aquarium yesterday.
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The octopus uses its arms to grab and explore objects.
What Is the Plural of “Octopus”?
The correct plural of octopus is octopuses — though you might also see octopi and octopodes used in different contexts.
| Singular | Plural (Common) | Plural (Less Common) | Plural (Rare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| octopus | octopuses | octopi | octopodes |
1. “Octopuses” — The Standard and Most Accepted Form
Octopuses is the modern, standard English plural form. It follows regular English grammar rules — simply adding -es to words ending in -us.
Examples:
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The aquarium has three octopuses in its largest tank.
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Scientists studied how octopuses use tools underwater.
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Octopuses are known for their intelligence and problem-solving skills.
2. “Octopi” — The Popular but Incorrect Form
Some people say octopi, thinking it’s the correct Latin plural — but octopus isn’t a Latin word; it’s Greek!
In Latin, words ending in -us often change to -i (like cactus → cacti). But since octopus comes from Greek, that rule doesn’t apply here.
Examples (incorrect in modern English):
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❌ The octopi swam together in the reef.
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❌ We saw several octopi at the marine park.
3. “Octopodes” — The Classical Greek Plural
Octopodes (pronounced /ɒkˈtɒpədiːz/ or “ok-TOP-uh-deez”) is the original Greek plural of octopus.
Examples:
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In ancient texts, you may find references to octopodes.
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Zoologists occasionally use the term octopodes to reflect Greek origins.
However, this form is rarely used today, even in academic writing. It sounds overly formal or archaic to most English speakers.
Examples in Sentences
Singular: “Octopus”
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The octopus changed its color to blend with the coral.
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An octopus can open jars to reach food inside.
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I watched an octopus glide gracefully underwater.
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The octopus has three hearts and blue blood.
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A giant octopus can stretch its arms over six meters long.
Plural: “Octopuses”
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Several octopuses gathered around the rocks.
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Scientists studied how octopuses camouflage in seconds.
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Octopuses can squeeze through tiny gaps.
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The aquarium added more octopuses to the exhibit.
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Fishermen spotted two large octopuses near the reef.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with octopus or octopuses.
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An ______ has eight arms.
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The ______ in the aquarium were hiding under rocks.
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I saw one giant ______ during my dive.
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Two ______ escaped from their tank last week.
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The ______ changes color when frightened.
Answer:
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octopus
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octopuses
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octopus
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octopuses
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octopus
Exercise 2: Choose the correct plural.
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a) The reef is home to many octopi.
b) The reef is home to many octopuses. ✅ -
a) The octopodes are fascinating creatures.
b) The octopuses are fascinating creatures. ✅ -
a) Fishermen caught two octopuses near the shore. ✅
b) Fishermen caught two octopi near the shore. -
a) I’ve never seen so many octopuses together! ✅
b) I’ve never seen so many octopi together! -
a) Octopuses can open jars to get food. ✅
b) Octopi can open jars to get food.