crabbing

[ krab-ing ]

noun

1. the activity or occupation of fishing for crabs. crab.
2. a finishing process for reducing shrinkage and creasing of woolens and worsteds by stretching the fabric on a rotating cylinder and immersing in hot or, sometimes, cold water.
3. Aeronautics. the maneuver of heading partly into the wind to compensate for drift.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crabbing¹

First recorded in 1870–75; crab ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The vessel carried three adults and three minors who had been out crabbing, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a beautiful spot for nature lovers to hike, bike, camp, stargaze, fish and even go crabbing, but it’s most known for its special four-legged animals: wild horses!

From Seattle Times

Benjamin Cullis, from Padstow, had been fishing and crabbing with his family when he fell off the harbour wall and hit his head on the side of a yacht on 24 June 2023.

From BBC

In the far north, where crabbing was supposed to be allowed starting Dec. 1, there’s a second issue: Testing in Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties revealed poor crab meat quality.

From Seattle Times

Stephanie Foley, a 41-year-old teacher whose husband and brother hope to take over her father’s crabbing business, described Horseshoe Beach as a closely knit community where folks don’t feel they have to lock their doors.

From Seattle Times