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 fish is fresh, sides are made from scratch and the royal red shrimp, which taste like tender lobster, are a must-order. —Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 17 Apr. 2026

The topic was raised during a segment about a new study that says that lobsters can feel pain when they're thrown in a pot of boiling water. —Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

The campaign also features a series of inflatable-like animal sculptures created by set designer Andy Hillman and his team including an octopus, whale, lobster, seahorse, crab and flamingo. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026

At night, the appealing menu showcases lobster, Wagyu beef, and other luxurious items in a modern Japanese style. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 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