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 lobster had been intended for delivery to Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota but, most likely ended up being sold on the black market to restaurants or distributors. — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Don’t forget to indulge in lobster at one of the many eateries in town, such as Fish House Grill. — Jaclyn Greenberg, Parents, 29 June 2026

The dish includes French fries topped with lobster and a little shrimp marinated in a butter/garlic sauce and then topped with cheese sauce. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

Located on the beach, alfresco dining is a must; with a menu divided and designed for tasting, order a selection of dishes for the table to discover the decadent flavors of Champagne lobster rolls, ishiyaki, sashimi, and more. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 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