lobster

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

lobster caterpillar

2 of 2

noun (2)

variants or lobster

plural -s

: a caterpillar that has extremely long thoracic legs and two long caudal processes, rests in a grotesque position, and feeds on many trees and shrubs see lobster moth

Examples of lobster in a Sentence

Noun (1)

I had lobster for dinner.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the back, tanks bubbled with live lobsters while crawfish squirmed in boxes nearby. — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

The region’s wineries provide a sample of what Nova Scotia produces — not just wine, but also local food including can’t-miss lobster, oysters and scallops. — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

Yamaguchi prepared each course live, skinning a pike conger or breaking down live lobsters from his perch behind the grill. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026

Nightly specials include fresh takes on Maine classics, like a Cajun lobster roll on a brioche (fantastic), but there’s also an extensive menu of starters, salads, sandwiches and burgers, and mains that will keep every member of your party happy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English loppestre, from loppe spider

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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