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

The restaurant’s seafood assortment includes lobster, shrimp, clams, crab, crawfish and mussels. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026

The traditional lobster roll—juicy meat spilling out over a split bun, served with crunchy thick-cut fries and lightly dressed coleslaw—is a favorite. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Initially, some American seafood was slated to face 25% tariffs, but Canada removed those tariffs from the list following pushback from the lobster industry. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Summers in Portland, Maine, are legendary—between the briny sea air, endless lobster rolls, and the charming boutiques that line the cobblestone streets of the Old Port district. — Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 7 Sep. 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