tuna

1 of 2

noun (1)

tu·​na ˈtü-nə How to pronounce tuna (audio)
ˈtyü-
plural tuna or tunas
1
: any of various large vigorous scombroid fishes (as of the genera Euthynnus, Katsuwonus, and especially Thunnus) that are usually dark above and silvery below and include many that are valued as food or sport fishes see albacore, bigeye tuna, bluefin tuna, dogtooth tuna, little tunny, skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna
2
: the flesh of a tuna used for food
grilled tuna
specifically, sometimes tuna fish : tuna flesh that has been cooked and canned
often used before another noun
tuna salad
a tuna fish sandwich

tuna

2 of 2

noun (2)

tu·​na ˈtü-nə How to pronounce tuna (audio)
1
: any of various flat-jointed prickly pears (genus Opuntia)
especially : one (O. tuna) of tropical America
2
: the edible fruit of a tuna

Examples of tuna 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.
Noun
The supplies include rice, beans, pasta, cans of tuna and solar lamps that will be delivered by the Catholic Church and Caritas. Philip Wang, Time, 9 Feb. 2026 To address the issue, researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a device that repels sharks but not tuna and swordfish. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 Must orders include cotoletta alla Milanese with sunny saffron risotto and vitello tonnato; thin ruffles of veal topped with tuna sauce and fat caper berries. Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026 Menus lean into New England seasonality (lobster fra diavolo and tuna carpaccio were highlights). Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tuna

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

American Spanish, alteration of Spanish atún, modification of Arabic tūn, from Latin thunnus, from Greek thynnos

Noun (2)

Spanish, from Taino

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tuna was circa 1555

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tuna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tuna. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

tuna

noun
tu·​na
ˈt(y)ü-nə
plural tuna or tunas
1
: any of several mostly large sea fishes (as an albacore or bonito) related to the mackerels and caught for food and sport
2
: the flesh of a tuna especially when canned for use as food

called also tuna fish

More from Merriam-Webster on tuna

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster