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

One bite of the blue lobster fettuccine, and you’ll be convinced this is just how things were intended. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026

The Archdiocese says fish, shrimp, crab, lobster and other shellfish can also be eaten. —Rin Velasco, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026

Their $45 dinner menu offers eight choices for appetizers and six for entrees, including prime rib on a French roll with au jus and a truffle lobster melt and bisque. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026

The Archdiocese says fish, shrimp, crab, lobster and other shellfish can also be eaten. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 18 Feb. 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