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

It’s crafted in luxurious leather and has a gold chainlink detail with a lobster clasp. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Stroll along the coastal trail at Half Moon Bay State Beach or grab a bite at Sam’s Chowder House, known for its East Coast-style lobster roll. —Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

While guests enjoy a dinner surprisingly devoid of steak and lobster, Nate asks Harry to show him the lines on the deck in preparation for docking the boat the next day. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025

Best Restaurants Lobster Trap Anegada is renowned for its lobster, and at the Lobster Trap, even the simplest preparation of the island staple is enough to wow. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 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