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

At just below 60 feet, Dickie’s Reef is a haven for barracuda, parrotfish, butterfly fish, crab and lobsters. —Adrienne Jordan, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Antipasti, insalata, and fritti follows, with dishes like lobster polpette fra diavolo, capellini crab AOP, and the new Mario’s Famous di Mare Salad. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025

Book a table at Supernormal, Andrew McConnell’s cult Melbourne import serving up lobster rolls and ice-cold martinis against views of the Story Bridge. —Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025

The disruption of air travel could result in some empty shelves and delivery delays, particularly for quick-turnaround, high-value products often transported by plane, such as personal electronics, pharmaceutical drugs and even fresh lobster, experts told ABC News. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Nov. 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