coconut crab

noun

Definition of coconut crab

: a large burrowing land crab (Birgus latro) that is widely distributed about islands of the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, has a varied omnivorous diet that includes coconuts, and possesses an oily flesh which is esteemed as a local delicacy

Recent Examples of coconut crab from the Web

This would include conspiracy theories that the aviation pioneer was taken captive by the Japanese, or the strange notion that her body may have been eaten by coconut crabs on the remote Nikumaroro island.

— michelle darrisaw, Southern Living, "Amelia Earhart’s In-Flight Menu Included This Staple Southern Ingredient," 11 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coconut crab.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.