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

In one scene, Duchess Meghan remarks that her husband doesn't like lobster. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025

The renowned East Coast eatery officially opened its first Orange County location on Friday, Aug. 22, bringing its Maine-style lobster rolls and other Neptunian fare to Newport Beach. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025

Menus in the main dining room change daily, with offerings that include duck, lamb, Maine lobster, spicy noodles, and just about everything in between, including favorites like hamburgers, salmon, chicken, and pasta, which are offered every day. —Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 22 Aug. 2025

Williamson went out for lobster rolls with fellow Food Network star Antonia Lofaso. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 21 Aug. 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