squid

1 of 3

noun (1)

plural squid or squids
: any of an order (Teuthoidea) of cephalopods having eight short arms and two usually longer tentacles, a long tapered body, a caudal fin on each side, and usually a slender internal chitinous support

squid

2 of 3

verb

squidded; squidding

intransitive verb

: to fish with or for squid

SQUID

3 of 3

noun (2)

: an instrument for detecting and measuring very weak magnetic fields

Examples of squid 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
Pilot whales measure 16-25 feet and weigh up to three tons, and primarily feed on squid but also eat small fish. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 Along with these creatures, researchers spotted a ghostly translucent squid with red eyes and tentacles, which had never been seen alive before. Ashley Balzer Vigil, Discover Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024 Vampire squid generally max out at a foot long — not exactly an intimidating size. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 Eating squid has been shown to significantly contribute to the intake of several important nutrients. Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Health, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for squid 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

origin unknown

Noun (2)

superconducting quantum interference device

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1613, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squid was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near squid

Cite this Entry

“Squid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squid. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

squid

noun
ˈskwid
plural squid or squids
: any of numerous sea mollusks that are cephalopods and have eight short arms and two usually longer tentacles, a long thin body with a fin on each side, and a slender internal shell

More from Merriam-Webster on squid

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