-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
hermit crab
noun
: any of numerous chiefly marine small decapod crustaceans (especially families Diogenidae, Paguridae, and Parapaguridae) having soft asymmetrical abdomens and occupying the empty shells of gastropods
Examples of hermit crab in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As with the Pixar film, the bugs (and adjacent creatures) are the main characters here, from cockroaches, monarch butterflies, and praying mantises to bees, spiders, and even hermit crabs.
—Ars Technica, 14 Jan. 2025
During the festivities, there are also hermit crab races.
—Kaila Yu, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Walking on the beach with James and looking for hermit crabs and looking for shells, with a newborn in a carrier or on my chest.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Other animals taking up temporary shelter include: moon jellies, six snakes, three lizards, three turtles, two alligators, two toads and a hermit crab.
—Kathryn Varn, Axios, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hermit crab
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1735, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hermit crab
Cite this Entry
“Hermit crab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hermit%20crab. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
hermit crab
noun
: any of various small crabs that occupy empty mollusk shells
More from Merriam-Webster on hermit crab
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hermit crab
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share