crustacean

noun

crus·​ta·​cean ˌkrə-ˈstā-shən 

: any of a large subphylum (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

While experiments in containment continue, including the release of tens of thousands of octopus predators, the industry’s response has been shifting to find new markets for the crustaceans. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026

The giant sign outside the restaurant's entrance is also the perfect opportunity to showcase your adoration of crustaceans, if that's your vibe. — Isabelle Foland, Des Moines Register, 17 Aug. 2026

The crustacean was then donated to Explore the Ocean World, a hands-on museum in Hampton Beach. — Sara Hashemi, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026

Fishing boats as far north as Alaska caught unusual species, and fewer tiny crustaceans known as copepods were found off the Oregon coast. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 30 July 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