squid

¹ American  

[skwid] / skwɪd /

noun

plural

squid,

plural

squids

1. any of several ten-armed cephalopods, as of the genera Loligo and Ommastrephes, having a slender body and a pair of rounded or triangular caudal fins and varying in length from 4–6 inches (10–15 centimeters) to 60–80 feet (18–24 meters).

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SQUID ² American  

[skwid] / skwɪd /

noun

1. superconducting quantum interference device: a device that senses minute changes in magnetic fields, used to indicate neural activity in the brain.

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squid ¹ British  

/ skwɪd /

noun

1. any of various fast-moving pelagic cephalopod molluscs of the genera Loligo, Ommastrephes , etc, of most seas, having a torpedo-shaped body ranging from about 10 centimetres to 16.5 metres long and a pair of triangular tail fins: order Decapoda (decapods) See also cuttlefish

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verb

1. (intr) (of a parachute) to assume an elongated squidlike shape owing to excess air pressure

SQUID ² British  

abbreviation

1. superconducting quantum interference device

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squid ³ British  

/ skwɪd /

noun

1. slang a pound sterling

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Etymology

Origin of squid¹

First recorded in 1605–15; origin uncertain

Origin of SQUID²

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

"In the past, the structure of the ram's horn squid shell made some scientists wrongly conclude it was closely related to cuttlefishes.," says Fernández-Álvarez.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

If you play with squid, be ready for the ink.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Grey seals typically feed on fish such as sand eels, cod and herring, as well as squid and crustaceans.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

According to Robison, fish, crustaceans, squid and other warm-water species are moving into what used to be considered cooler waters.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026

They will stream by squid, sea turtles, clouds of shrimp, schools of shimmering fish, and enter the vivid turquoise world just below the surface.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee