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

Menu offerings include appetizers such as Dungeness crab cakes and lobster corn dogs, and entrées such as crispy chicken Milanese, honey miso glazed salmon and a signature Skywalker Ranch Wagyu burger. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Yet endless therapies and lobster lunches aside, the biggest luxury amenity of all is still the access itself. — Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

On Monday, compostable cups, cutlery and bin liners were mixed in with a delivery of food scraps and lobster shells. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Kennebunkport, Maine Coastal scenery, New England charm, and lobster-fishing history make Kennebunkport a quintessential Maine escape. — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 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