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
Officers learned two shipments of the jarred tuna came from a Nicaraguan fishing vessel during a June 2023 investigation in Chesapeake, officials said. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025 There are starters like stracciatella soup with truffles in the winter, or tuna crudo with citrus caviar in the summer. Lily Radziemski, New York Times, 29 May 2025 Then, dine at The Conservatory, grazing on West Coast oysters, South Atlantic tuna tartare, and traditional Cape Malay bobotie—complete with sweet pumpkin tart or its famous Liz McGrath Chocolate Plate. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 For reference, a standard 5-ounce can of tuna has about 20 grams of protein. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 25 May 2025 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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

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