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

Illustration of hermit crab

Illustration of hermit crab

Examples of hermit crab in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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 

Word History

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hermit crab was in 1735

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

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