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

Adults and kids alike dipped in the Atlantic and a tiki hut boat served shoreside lobster rolls and hot dogs. —Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025

Foods high in the amino acid tryptophan (like milk, turkey, chicken, lobster, and certain types of nuts) can also increase lethargy, according to Dr. Ganjhu. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 6 Aug. 2025

The menu offered summer-y fare such as lobster rolls, the most popular pick from the menu. —Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2025

Qatar Airways is known for its on-demand dining, and anytime snacks on the menu, including lobster rolls and afternoon tea. —Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025

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