crustacean

noun

crus·​ta·​cean ˌkrə-ˈstā-shən 

: any of a large class (Crustacea) of mostly aquatic mandibulate arthropods that have a chitinous or calcareous and chitinous exoskeleton, a pair of often much modified appendages on each segment, and two pairs of antennae and that include the lobsters, shrimp, crabs, wood lice, water fleas, and barnacles

crustacean adjective

Examples of crustacean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The delay starts with crustaceans. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

But our readers have spoken, and these 10 recipes are their favorite ways to eat the trusty crustacean. — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026

Larger and sweeter than regular Gulf shrimp, these crustaceans are caught in the waters of Patagonia and boast a flavor and texture similar to lobster. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 June 2026

New England produces some of the best oysters in the world, and as the name suggests, crustaceans are a main event here. — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crustacean

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

crustacean

noun

crus·​ta·​cean ˌkrəs-ˈtā-shən 

: any of a large class of mostly water-dwelling arthropods (as lobsters, shrimps, crabs, wood lice, water fleas, and barnacles) having an exoskeleton of chitin or chitin and a compound of calcium

crustacean adjective