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

Other exports, such as Canadian canola meal, lobsters, crabs, and peas will also not be subject to Chinese anti-discrimination tariffs until at least the end of 2026. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026

The price includes all taxes, lobster lunches, and Don Julio cocktails. —Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026

Californian diner Malibu 90265 serves juicy lobster rolls and Bloody Marys that are practically meals in their own right, as well as Micheladas that come with tuna tacos popping out of the top. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026

China is also expected to reduce tariff barriers on Canadian canola seed, lobster and peas later this year. —Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 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