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

Evening dining features an elegant dress code, with the exception of the casual lobster bake held on Fridays. —Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026

The one constant is the signature Caldereta de Langosta, a traditional lobster stew cooked in a clay pot using lobster caught that same morning. —Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Larger and sweeter than regular Gulf shrimp, these crustaceans are caught in the waters of Patagonia and boast a flavor and texture similar to lobster. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 June 2026

Feast on fresh lobster from classic waterfront seafood spots like seasonal fixture Barnacle Billy’s. —Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 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