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

These include shrimp ceviche, lobster bisque, black mussels, truffle fries and a Caesar salad. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

All-day bites like lobster rolls and fish and chops can be enjoyed riverside on the patio or by the heated pool. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026

Trays of burgers, fries and lobster rolls circled the room as guests such as Martha Stewart, Suki Waterhouse, Kelsea Ballerini, Leslie Bibb, Supriya Ganesh and Ava Phillippe mingled throughout the restaurant. —Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026

Some of her favorite dishes to prepare include the fish and shrimp combo, lobster tail and clam strips. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 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