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 majority of beers are from Maine breweries, including the popular Allagash in Portland, while the small plates pop around the globe (chorizo skewers, lamb lollipops, and, of course, a lobster roll). —Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025

One record lobster grew to 44 pounds. —Kate Siber, Outside, 21 Oct. 2025

Champagne, caviar and lobster rolls for brunch? —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2025

And researchers have yet to identify the cause of an illness affecting Atlantic lobsters that first appeared in the 1980s. —JSTOR Daily, 17 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