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

In Malta, they were found near rocks in shallow water, and are expected to eat smaller fish and crustaceans, researchers said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

But the natural lobster flavor shone through most, possibly a testament to Holden’s deep rooted understanding of the crustacean and all those years hauling traps with his father. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025

The crustaceans in question made it to stores in 13 states before a full recall was implemented. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2025

Their short, fine tentacles help capture prey such as zooplankton and small crustaceans. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crustacean

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

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