What is the plural of 'octopus'? It is most often spelled 'octopi' or 'octopuses,' but 'octopodes' is also a less-common option.

An octopus (pl.: octopuses or octopodes[a]) is a soft-bodied, eight-limbed mollusc of the order Octopoda (/ ɒkˈtɒpədə /, ok-TOP-ə-də[3]). The order consists of some 300 species and is grouped within the …

Oct 10, 2023 · If we were to pluralize the original Greek root the logical answer would be octopodes. While this is technically the most grammatically correct it is also the most pedantic and the least often...

Mar 18, 2022 · The proposed plural octopodes is based on the plural of the Ancient Greek word from which octopus ultimately derives. But it’s rarely used outside of the octopuses vs. octopi debate.

Oct 5, 2025 · Noun octopodes (rare) plural of octopus Synonyms: octopuses, octopi (see more in main entry) (rare) plural of octopode

Jul 4, 2025 · In Ancient Greek, the correct plural of októpus (or oktōpous) is októpodes (or oktōpodes). Therefore, octopodes is the most etymologically accurate option. English speakers rarely use Greek …

Apr 30, 2022 · All three of the plurals, octopi, octopuses, are octopodes, have been present in publications dating back to at least the 1800s. So, if you ever find yourself in a circle of etymologists …

Feb 1, 2022 · Octopi is the oldest plural form of octopus, coming from the belief that Latin origins should have Latin endings. However, octopus is not a simple Latin word, but a Latinized form of the Greek …

Jan 4, 2026 · Is it octopuses, octopi, or octopodes? In this episode, we’ll discuss why no one seems to know the answer to this question, and look at the strange and confusing world of English plurals.

Aug 7, 2010 · USAGE The standard English plural of octopus is octopuses. However, the word octopus comes from Greek, and the Greek plural form is octopodes. Modern usage of octopodes is so …