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

Thick pieces of fish and seafood, like lobster tails, salmon, and scallops. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025

For me, summer can only be properly kicked off with a lobster roll in hand. —Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025

The meal starts with a tiered tower of appetizers like lobster rolls, cornbread and beignets. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 18 June 2025

Stop by Kiki’s and browse their eclectic selection of accessories, kid's clothing, home goods, and women’s wear—including the perfect Alpaca sweaters adorned with lobsters. —Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 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