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

Dig in: Expect a large menu with global influences, but the stars of the show are Tomahawk Surf and Turf — which comes with a 30oz Tomahawk steak and lobster tail plus some sides— and the Pasta Alla Routa — where a server will make the pasta tableside on a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. —Laura Barrero, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

There's also a Tomahawk Trio for Two special which includes a 32-ounce Australian Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye, two North Atlantic lobster tails and a bottle of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon for $199. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 19 Dec. 2024

No one has any interest in biting the hand that feeds them endless lobster tails and traveling versions of Beetlejuice the Musical. —Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024

Then, learn about the island’s fresh catches of lobster and fish with a visit to a renowned fisherman’s dock. —Paula Conway, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

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

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