lobster

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

lobster caterpillar

2 of 2

noun (2)

variants or lobster

plural -s

: a caterpillar that has extremely long thoracic legs and two long caudal processes, rests in a grotesque position, and feeds on many trees and shrubs see lobster moth

Examples of lobster in a Sentence

Noun (1)

I had lobster for dinner.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The menu has aged Texas wagyu, lobster, sea bass and lamb chops. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026

Don’t forget to indulge in lobster at one of the many eateries in town, such as Fish House Grill. — Jaclyn Greenberg, Parents, 29 June 2026

The dish includes French fries topped with lobster and a little shrimp marinated in a butter/garlic sauce and then topped with cheese sauce. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

Butter yellow continues its reign as one of the most popular summer polishes, but expensive-looking shades of Tiffany blue and lobster red are gaining traction just as quickly. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English loppestre, from loppe spider

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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