crayfish

noun

cray·​fish ˈkrā-ˌfish 

1

: any of numerous freshwater decapod crustaceans (especially families Astacidea, Cambaridae, and Parastacidae) resembling the lobster but usually much smaller

2

: spiny lobster

Illustration of crayfish

• crayfish 1

Examples of crayfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the weighted end of the rig skips across the bottom, the non-weighted end floats and wiggles just above the bottom, simulating a dying baitfish or fleeing crayfish. —Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025

How did the Australian crayfish species arrive in Texas? —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

The New Guinea crayfish discovery has also been tied to conservation. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025

The species studied included fish, decapod crustaceans -- such as crabs, crayfishes and shrimps -- and odonates, such as dragonflies and damsel flies. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Middle English crevis, from Anglo-French creveis, escreveice, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German krebiz crab — more at crab

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing crayfish

• sea crayfish

Kids Definition

crayfish

noun

cray·​fish ˈkrā-ˌfish 

1

: any of numerous freshwater crustaceans that are related to but usually much smaller than the lobster

2

: spiny lobster