lobster

noun

lob·​ster ˈläb-stər How to pronounce lobster (audio)
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
lobsterlike adjective

Illustration of lobster

Illustration of lobster
  • lobster 1

Examples of lobster in a Sentence

I had lobster for dinner.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For dinner, guests enjoyed crab, lobster, beef, risotto and tomato and basil pesto tarts. Sarah Title, People.com, 10 July 2025 There might be king crab, lobster and wagyu that are dramatically presented and then cooked in front of you. Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 The menu features the classic items that have made Amavi New York so successful: lamb chops with pomegranate molasses and sumac; a whole branzino grilled right at the table with Mediterranean herbs; and the famous lobster pasta, which is tossed with basil and cherry tomatoes. Connie Ogle july 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025 Used as bait, the fish are critical for valuable commercial targets such as Maine lobster. Danny Bakst, Fortune, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lobster

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lobster was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lobster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lobster. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

lobster

noun
lob·​ster ˈläb-stər How to pronounce lobster (audio)
: any of several large edible marine crustaceans with stalked eyes, a pair of large claws, and a long abdomen
also : spiny lobster

More from Merriam-Webster on lobster

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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