How to Pronounce Octopus

To pronounce "octopus", say OCT-op-us — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈɒk.tə.pəs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

octopus

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈɒk.tə.pəs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “octopus”

"octopus" has 3 syllables: oct-op-us. It rhymes with puss and platypus, if that helps it stick.

What does octopus mean?

noun

Any of several marine molluscs of the family Octopodidae, having no internal or external protective shell or bone (unlike the nautilus, squid and cuttlefish) and eight arms each covered with suckers.
The flesh of these marine molluscs eaten as food.

verb

To put (or attempt to put) one's fingers, hands or arms in many things or places at roughly the same time.
To spread out in long arms or legs in many directions.

Synonyms

polypus

Words that rhyme with octopus

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

puss platypus

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "octopus"?▾

"Octopus" has 3 syllables: oct · op · us.

What is the IPA transcription of "octopus"?▾

The IPA transcription of "octopus" is /ˈɒk.tə.pəs/.

What does "octopus" mean?▾

Octopus: Any of several marine molluscs of the family Octopodidae, having no internal or external protective shell or bone (unlike the nautilus, squid and cuttlefish) and eight arms each covered with suckers.

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