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

The bill extends the deadlines for the federal government to issue new regulations on lobster and crab fishing. — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026

There’s something magical about New England in the summer, when sailboats fill the harbors, lobster rolls are a staple, and historic seaside towns are at their liveliest. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

The decorative Seafood Tower, for example, consists of lobster, oysters, king crab legs, crab claws and shrimp. — Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

In addition to Peking duck, which has to be ordered at least a day ahead of time, the menu also features plum sauce baby pork ribs, a black truffle gratin lobster tail and seasonal dishes, like winter osmanthus flowers. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 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