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

Once cooked, place the lobster in an ice bath immediately. —Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025

The meal begins with a crisp raw bar featuring Maine lobster, stone crab, west coast oysters and more. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Clark’s Oyster Bar Clark’s Oyster Bar, which also has locations in Austin and Montecito, offers a dynamic array of seafood, serving fare like lobster rolls, crab cakes, crispy red snapper and—of course—freshly shucked oysters. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025

On the plate: Several dishes meant to honor visiting teams, including: A sweet and creamy lobster roll for Boston Red Sox games. —Monica Eng, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025

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