What Is the Plural of ‘Squid’? Is It Squid or Squids?

The plural of “squid” can be either “squid” or “squids”, depending on the context. In marine biology and academic writing, squid is commonly used as both the singular and plural form, similar to how “fish” is treated. However, “squids” is also grammatically correct and typically used when referring to multiple species or different types of squid. Understanding which form to use helps improve clarity in writing and conversation.

Language experts, including those from Merriam-Webster and Oxford, confirm that both plural forms are acceptable. Whether you’re writing a scientific paper or describing what you saw at an aquarium, knowing when to use “squid” versus “squids” adds polish to your communication. Related plural questions—like those for octopus, shrimp, or fish—follow similar rules in English grammar.

Singular Form: Squid

The singular of squid is, unsurprisingly, just squid.

• Definition: A squid is a soft-bodied marine animal belonging to the class Cellophane, closely related to octopuses and cuttlefish.
• Use in a sentence:
  “The squid released ink and darted away.”

Etymology of “Squid”

The origin of the word squid is somewhat unclear, but linguists believe it may have stemmed from an English dialect word used by fishermen. It first appeared in print in the 17th century, possibly derived from “squirt,” referring to the animal’s ability to squirt ink.

What’s the Plural of Squid?

Here’s where things get interesting.

Both squid and squids are correct plural forms.

Key Takeaway

Use squid when referring to multiple of the same species. Use squids when referring to different species.

That’s it. The rule is simple once you understand the reasoning behind it.

Comparison Table

Usage Type	Preferred Plural	Example Sentence
General (same species)	Squid	“We caught several squid this morning.”
Multiple species or types	Squids	“The exhibit featured squids from around the world.”
Scientific/academic writing	Squid	“Squid populations vary by region.”
Informal or conversational	Either	“Did you see those squids at the market?”

Both are grammatically acceptable—what matters is the context.

‘Squid’ vs. ‘Squids’ – What’s the Difference?

So why does English allow two plural forms for the same word?

This is because squid falls under a category of English nouns with irregular plural behavior, similar to words like:

• Fish → Fish or Fishes
• Deer → Deer
• Sheep → Sheep

Here’s how to tell them apart:

• Use squid when referring to a group of squid from one species.
• Use squids when talking about a variety of species or different types of squid.

Example Sentences:

•  “Divers observed dozens of squid swimming in formation.” (Same species)
•  “Researchers discovered squids with vastly different camouflage patterns.” (Different species)

Think of it like this:

• You’d say “I saw many fish” if they were all trout.
• But you’d say “I saw many fishes” if you meant trout, salmon, and tuna.

The same applies to squid vs. squids.

Expert and Dictionary Insights

Major dictionaries and language authorities recognize both plural forms.

Here’s what they say:

Merriam-Webster:
“Both squid and squids are recognized plurals. Squid is more commonly used in scientific contexts, while squids may be used when distinguishing among species.”

Oxford English Dictionary:
“Plural: squid, squids. The unmarked plural is used when referring to the animals collectively; the marked plural squids may be used when referring to species.”

Cambridge Dictionary:
Lists squid as the preferred plural, with squids as acceptable in certain contexts.

Summary Table of Dictionary Recommendations

Dictionary	Preferred Plural	Notes
Merriam-Webster	Squid / Squids	Both accepted; squid more common in academic use.
Oxford English Dictionary	Squid / Squids	Squids used for species distinction.
Cambridge Dictionary	Squid (main), Squids	Squid is default; squids is optional.

Common Usage in Context

Let’s look at how people actually use these forms in everyday speech, literature, and scientific writing.

Scientific and Marine Biology Usage

• Scientists almost always prefer squid as the plural.
• For instance, in the Marine Biology Journal, the term squid appears overwhelmingly more often than squids.

Example:

“The population of squid in the Pacific has increased due to changing temperatures.”

Pop Culture and Media

• Media and entertainment (like documentaries or books) may use either form.

Example from National Geographic:

“Different species of squids use various methods of locomotion.”

Everyday Conversation or Menus

• On seafood menus, you’re likely to see:
  
  • “Grilled squid”
  • Not: “Grilled squids”

But someone might say informally:

“We saw a bunch of weird-looking squids at the market.”

Is One Form More Correct Than the Other?

The short answer: No. Both are correct.

But some choices sound more natural depending on your audience and setting.

When to use squid:

• Scientific reports
• School essays
• Seafood menus
• Aquarium descriptions

When to use squids:

• When comparing species
• Informal speech or storytelling
• Creative writing

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, stick with squid. It’s universally accepted and sounds more natural in most cases.

Quick Reference: Plural Rules for Sea Creatures

English has plenty of oddities when it comes to marine life. Here’s a quick look at the plural forms of other aquatic animals:

Singular	Plural	Notes
Fish	Fish / Fishes	Fishes used when referring to different species.
Octopus	Octopuses / Octopi	Octopuses are technically more correct in English; Octopi is Latin-based.
Shrimp	Shrimp / Shrimps	Shrimp is most common; shrimps used for emphasis on number or species.
Squid	Squid / Squids	Squid is general; squids used when referring to multiple species.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Use?

When it comes to the plural of “squid”, both “squid” and “squids” are correct—but each has its place. Use “squid” when referring to multiple individuals of the same species, especially in scientific or formal contexts. Use “squids” when referring to different species or types, or in more casual, descriptive language. Understanding this subtle difference not only improves your grammar but also helps you communicate with precision—whether you’re talking about marine life, writing a biology report, or just sharing your latest visit to the aquarium.

FAQs: About the Plural of Squid

1. Is it squid or squids for plural?

Both are correct. Use “squid” when talking about multiple animals of the same species. Use “squids” when referring to different species or types of squid.

2. How do you say multiple squid?

You can say either “squid” or “squids”, depending on the context. In general use, especially in scientific or formal writing, “squid” is preferred for multiple.

3. What is the plural of squid according to Oxford Dictionary?

The Oxford English Dictionary lists both “squid” and “squids” as valid plurals. It recommends squid as the default plural, but notes that squids is used when discussing multiple species.

4. What is the actual plural of octopus?

Technically, the correct English plural is “octopuses.” The form “octopi” is often used but is based on incorrect Latinization, as “octopus” comes from Greek, not Latin.

5. What is the plural of shrimp?

“Shrimp” is the standard plural, used in both formal and informal contexts. “Shrimps” is also acceptable, particularly when referring to different species of shrimp.