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

Food and drink Undeniably decadent, with Maldivian lobster plucked straight from the sea and served at every turn—even in the omelette at breakfast. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

On the menu, guests would have a choice of everything from buttery lobster rolls and lobster bisque, to Baja-style favorites like tacos, burritos and fish and chips, the proposal said. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 26 May 2026

Go to Dock Square to browse shops and art galleries, and then stop at another local favorite, The Clam Shack, for luscious lobster rolls. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

Her ex-husband is a local fisherman who spends his days fishing by net, pulling lobster, sea bream and red mullet exclusively from the waters around the Îles d'Or, all of which ends up on your plate that evening at the restaurant, equally beloved by locals and visitors. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 25 May 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