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

Exposure to specific proteins found in crustaceans, including shrimp, crab, and lobster—as well as mollusks such as clams, oysters, and mussels—can negatively impact the immune system. —Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

And the redoubtable Danny Meyer has re-cast the Marriott Marquis Hotel’s vast revolving restaurant on the 47th floor as The View, where lobster spaghetti alla carbonara sells for $42, Prime rib goes for $69, ribeye for $74 and a non-alcohol Shirley Temple cocktail for $16. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Some of the proteins offered include chicken al pastor, carnitas, filet mignon, lobster, shrimp and short ribs. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025

Steaks come with an assortment of compound butters and sauces, with the option for lobster tail, crab, bone marrow and blue cheese on top. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 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