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

Iconic spots to try are La Carreta, Islas Canarias, Versailles, and Sanguich for Cuban fare; and Joe’s Stone Crab for the tasty crustacean. —Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 11 June 2026

Some specimens have flap-like structures on the abdomen that are similar to those found in modern crustaceans like lobsters. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 June 2026

Aside from fish and crustaceans, diners can dig into hot and cold mezze like kayseri manti (beef dumplings with yogurt and mint) and muhammara (roasted red peppers with walnuts and pomegranate molasses). —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 2 June 2026

Corn, potatoes, and plenty of your favorite crustaceans are cooked in a broth flavored with spices. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 22 May 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