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

Chicken of the woods, chanterelles, and lobster mushrooms are all in season in early fall. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

And for food, don’t miss the lobster bisque and Double R Ranch prime ribeye steak. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2025

Oysters and lobster rolls up and down the coast. —Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 2 Oct. 2025

This year, Red Lobster also ran its Lobsterfest promotion, offering items like $20 lobster rolls and unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 1 Oct. 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