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

Plates like roasted bone marrow with beef tartare, lobster steam buns, and Dimock butter cake with popcorn comprise the menu, which is notably devoid of any seed oils. —Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 8 May 2026

The neighborhood/area A prime location on a leafy street one mile from Kennebunkport’s buzzy Dock Square allows guests to skip the hassles of summer traffic and parking and use free cruiser bikes to visit downtown’s lobster shacks, bars, and boutiques. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

The other mate denied knowledge of the undersized lobsters and wrung tails, and the FWC said Perez was the one in possession of the lobsters found on the boat, according to the report. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026

Sticking with the Best Medicine theme, there was a buffet of Port Wenn fare featuring Maine lobster rolls, hot dogs, New England baked beans, salad and coleslaw. —Abby Stern, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 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