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

In a rural lobster fishing village, Bucks Harbor explores manhood, community and survival in a harsh and beautiful world. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

Let the lobster meat macerate in the cooking liquid for 30 minutes. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Options range from lobster-fishing excursions and lighthouse cruises to whale- and puffin-watching tours. — Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026

With summer highs usually topping out in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, these postcard-perfect New England coastal towns and seaside villages are an ideal spot to keep cool and take in that down-home Maine charm—and treat yourself to a lobster roll. — Josh Roberts, USA Today, 15 Aug. 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