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 is housed in an 1800s maritime chandlery, a three-floor space that gets you in the mood to try out the bevy of oysters from all coasts, caviar, and lobster frites up for grabs. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2026

Bravo Bravo For an Italian dining experience, look no further than Bravo Bravo, where tomato fettuccine with lobster, scallops, and mussels, and espresso martinis are all on the menu. —Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026

Kona Night Reef Dives focus on nocturnal marine life like octopi, lobster and eels on the reef. —Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

The menu is similar to the London restaurant, with popular entrees like spaghetti and lobster or the mezze maniche (short, tubular pasta) all carbonara with seasonal truffle. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 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