Octopi or Octopuses: Which Is the Correct Plural?

Octopi or Octopuses: the Definition

What Does Octopi Mean?

Octopi is a term that some people use when referring to more than one octopus. It’s derived from the incorrect assumption that octopus is a Latin word that should follow Latin rules for pluralization. Despite the term being widely recognized, it’s not traditionally correct because “octopus” originates from Greek, not Latin.

What Does Octopuses Mean?

Octopuses is the English plural form of octopus. It follows the conventional rules of English pluralization, where we typically add an -es to words that end in -us. This form is broadly accepted and used by English speakers. It aligns with the grammatical standards for creating plurals in English.

Octopi or Octopuses: Usage and Examples

When we talk about multiple octopus animals, we often encounter a bit of confusion over what term to use—should we say “octopi” or “octopuses”? We’re here to shed light on this, along with some helpful examples.

• Octopuses: This is actually our standard go-to plural form in English. It’s straightforward and has been widely accepted for over a century. When talking about these fascinating eight-armed creatures in most contexts, we use “octopuses.” For example:
  • “During our dive, we saw a group of octopuses camouflaging themselves among the corals.”
• Octopi: This form comes from a mistaken belief that “octopus” is Latin, leading people to add the Latin plural ending “-i.” While it’s commonly heard, it’s technically incorrect because “octopus” comes from Greek. Nonetheless, you might encounter “octopi” in more casual or conversational settings. An example sentence might be:
  • “The kids were delighted to learn that octopi can change color to match their surroundings.”

For clarity and correctness, we recommend sticking with “octopuses.” But don’t be surprised if “octopi” surfaces in colloquial speech. It’s part of the richness and evolution of our language.

Tips to Remember the Difference

• Remember the Source: ‘Octopus’ has Greek roots, so “octopuses” aligns better with English pluralization rules.
• Common Usage: Stick with “octopuses” in your writing, as it’s more widely accepted and understood.

Octopi or Octopuses: Examples

Example Sentences Using Octopi

• In the aquarium, several colorful octopi caught our attention with their graceful movements.
• We couldn’t decide which of the octopi was more fascinating, the ones camouflaging or the ones hunting.
• At our ocean club’s last meeting, we learned that octopi have three hearts.
• The children were delighted at the sight of the octopi during our visit to the seaside.
• When researching cephalopods, we found that octopi have surprisingly complex nervous systems.

Example Sentences Using Octopuses

• The documentary revealed how octopuses can escape through incredibly small openings.
• We were amazed to learn that octopuses have blue blood, which helps them survive in deep waters.
• Our biology teacher showed us a video of octopuses changing their skin color and texture.
• While snorkeling, we encountered a variety of octopuses nestled among the coral reefs.
• It’s fascinating how intelligent octopuses are; some species even use tools to solve problems.

Related Confused Words with Octopi or Octopuses

Octopi vs. Octoprint

• Octopi: A debated plural form of ‘octopus’.
• OctoPrint: A web interface for 3D printers, not related to cephalopods.

It’s important to distinguish between Octopi, which refers to the animal, and OctoPrint, a completely unrelated term used in the world of 3D printing.

Octopuses vs. Squids

• Octopuses: Plural for ‘octopus’, a cephalopod with eight arms.
• Squids: A different type of cephalopod with ten limbs (eight arms plus two tentacles).

Though both are cephalopods, squids differ from octopuses not only in the number of limbs but also in their body structure and behavior.

Octopuses vs. Jellyfish

• Octopuses: Soft-bodied, eight-armed cephalopods.
• Jellyfish: Gelatinous, umbrella-shaped creatures with trailing tentacles.

Octopuses are often confused with jellyfish due to their soft bodies and marine habitat, yet they are very different in terms of anatomy, with octopuses having a defined head and arms, unlike the simpler body form of jellyfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recognized plural forms of ‘octopus’ in the English language?

The two most recognized plural forms of ‘octopus’ in English are ‘octopuses’ and ‘octopi.’ While ‘octopuses’ conforms to the standard English rule for pluralization, ‘octopi’ is based on an incorrect assumption of Latin origins.

Can you explain the origin of the word ‘octopus’ and how its plural forms evolved?

‘Octopus’ originates from the Greek word ‘oktṓpous,’ meaning “eight-footed.” Its plural forms evolved as the word entered the English language, with ‘octopuses’ following English pluralization rules, and ‘octopi’ modeled erroneously after Latin noun forms.

Why might ‘octopodes’ be considered a correct plural form of ‘octopus’?

‘Octopodes’ is considered a correct plural form by some because it aligns with the word’s Greek origin, where the suffix ‘-podes’ is the standard form for creating plurals. However, this form is quite rare in everyday English.

Is there a collective term used for a group of octopus?

There is no widely recognized collective term for a group of octopus, as they are typically solitary creatures. When referring to multiple octopus, it would be most accurate to use the plural ‘octopuses’ or ‘octopi.’

Related links:

• Busses vs. Buses
• Leafs vs. Leaves