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

While the lobster has become the agent’s primary mascot, the Mac mini has become a symbol of its own. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026

Clams, mussels, and lobster rolls will satisfy your seafood craving. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026

Menu highlights include oysters on the half shell, pulled pork sandwiches, shrimp and grits, lobster rolls and more. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026

On an island renowned for its lobster, The Lobster Trap is an oceanfront eatery that serves the dish so well, in-the-know boaters sail from all over the region just to savor it. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 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