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

Doucette entered the water and helped crew members of a local lobster boat who used a hammer to break one of the vehicle’s windows so the occupants could get out, the fire department said. —David Chiu, People.com, 19 May 2025

If cooking a whole lobster, instead of using fish stock for the aioli, after removing the meat from the shell, boil the lobster shells in a pot of water for about 5 minutes. —Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 18 May 2025

This summer the city will host a number of iconic foodie events, including the Taste of London Food Festival (June 18- 22) and Hampton Court Palace Food Festival (Aug. 23-25) where guests can sample a variety of dishes, from rich lobster risotto to decadent sushi pieces. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

The proud son of Filipino immigrants turns amateur foodies into grilling experts, cooking the likes of lobster, short ribs, beer brats and noodle dishes. —Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 9 May 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