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

While there’s no kitchen, the bar offers daily specials that might include oysters, beef bourguignon (served out of a crock pot), red beans and rice and lobster rolls, among others. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025

With its fishing fleet and restaurants selling lobster rolls, tiny Alma, the coastal gateway to Fundy, looks a bit like Maine. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2025

Dishes most likely to be listed as MKT or MP are those with the most variable and seasonal ingredient costs, such as fresh seafood (like lobster, oysters, or fish), certain steaks, or specialty produce, said Thomas. —Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 26 July 2025

Highlights from the a la carte menu include: lobster with cauliflower and sudachi jelly; grilled Iberico pork; Wagyu beef katsu sando and grilled Yuan chicken. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 25 July 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