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

All of that was on plenty of minds as the audience started on spring pea and burrata salad and waiters prepared to serve a main course starring prime chateaubriand and Maine lobster. —Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

The culinary program leans into Ecuadorian heritage, from Galápagos lobster and freshly caught tuna to cheeses aged in volcanic lava tunnels and rich Ecuadorian chocolate desserts. —David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026

Oysters and raw bar — Oak Steakhouse in Avalon for the shellfish tower, featuring fresh raw oysters, lobster and shrimp. —Denise K. James, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026

The dinner’s main course — prime beef and Maine lobster — had not been served. —Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 26 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