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

Relax by the grand fireplace overlooking the mountainside as you’re delivered triers of sweet pastries and chocolate treats, savory salmon toasts, lobster rolls, and more while Artisanal high chocolate is poured over fluffy cotton candy. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026

The menu includes king crab legs, whole lobsters, sushi, crab legs, oysters and shrimp. —Richard Guzman, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026

The beetle’s white exoskeleton is made from a compound called chitin, which is a type of carbohydrate – one that is also commonly found in crab and lobster shells. —J. Carson Meredith, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026

While Hegseth spends millions on steaks and lobster tails, ordinary American families are struggling to afford groceries. —Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 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