jellyfish

[jel-ee-fish]

noun

plural

jellyfish ,

plural

jellyfishes .

1. any of various marine coelenterates of a soft, gelatinous structure, especially one with an umbrellalike body and long, trailing tentacles; medusa.

2. Informal.,  a person without strong resolve or stamina; an indecisive or weak person.

jellyfish

/ ˈdʒɛlɪˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any marine medusoid coelenterate of the class Scyphozoa, having a gelatinous umbrella-shaped body with trailing tentacles

2. any other medusoid coelenterate

3. informal,  a weak indecisive person

Word History and Origins

Origin of jellyfish¹

1700–10; 1910–15 jellyfish for def. 2; jelly + fish

Example Sentences

A swarm of jellyfish has caused major disruption at one of France's largest nuclear power plants, for the second time in a month.

Read more on BBC

He has carved jellyfish on closet doors and has etched sea kelp into the front door for his wife, who’s an ocean swimmer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Scientists and amateur naturalists have observed a remarkable range of species not usually widespread in UK waters, including octopus, bluefin tuna and mauve stinger jellyfish.

Read more on BBC

The duo was accompanied by vintage marionettes and their handlers, who played backup dancers in the shapes of jellyfish, cats and aliens.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme that he had to overcome jellyfish, strong currents and swimming in the wrong direction to set a new record.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• coward 
• crybaby 
• pushover