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

New England has lobster rolls, but Southerners have shrimp salad rolls. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026

Platings that were works of art featured delicacies such as caviar, foie gras and lobster, but humbler foods also elevated to greatness were the potato, daikon radish and grapefruit in the multicourse tasting menu. —Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026

There’s also a lobster roll served cold with mayo (Maine style) or warmed with butter (Connecticut-style). —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026

Marin Skincream was founded by two Maine biomedical engineers and uses upcycled lobster glycoproteins to support skin regeneration. —Anna Fiorentino, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 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