lobster

noun

lob·​ster ˈläb-stər 

often attributive

1

: any of a family (Nephropidae and especially Homarus americanus) of large edible marine decapod crustaceans that have stalked eyes, a pair of large claws, and a long abdomen and that include species from coasts on both sides of the North Atlantic and from the Cape of Good Hope

2

: spiny lobster

lobsterlike

ˈläb-stər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of lobster

• lobster 1

Examples of lobster in a Sentence

I had lobster for dinner.

Recent Examples on the Web

An overflowing bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, lobster, steak, burgers and fries, pecan pie. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

What followed was an idyllic few months spent picking mussels on the beach and taking boats out into the Celtic Sea to catch lobsters. — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026

How relaxing and indulgent, wrapped in a plush bathrobe, lingering over lobster bisque, juicy steak and a bottle of red wine. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

There will also be non-oyster dishes, like shrimp cocktail, hot and cold lobster rolls and hot dogs. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English loppestre, from loppe spider

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lobster

• hanging lobster claw
• lobster claw
• lobster pot
• lobster shift
• lobster thermidor
• lobster trap
• Norway lobster
• rock lobster
• spiny lobster

Rhymes for lobster

• mobster

Kids Definition

lobster

noun

lob·​ster ˈläb-stər 

: any of several large edible marine crustaceans with stalked eyes, a pair of large claws, and a long abdomen

also : spiny lobster