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

Jim Mathie of Deerfield Beach once found a spot loaded with lobsters two months before miniseason. —Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 5 July 2025

And a bowl of lobster fried rice is topped with a meaty lobster tail dusted in a Cajun seasoning. —Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 July 2025

Here seven local vendors celebrate the best of Rhode Island, including killer fish sandwiches and lobster rolls at Dune Bros., sourdough pizzas at Mother Mother, shrimp curry and sweet and spicy fried cauliflower at Little Chaska. —Ellen Carpenter, AFAR Media, 2 July 2025

As 60 Minutes Australia shared in an update, Travis had lived a pampered life with Herold, dining on lobster and drinking from a wine glass. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 18 June 2025

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