Jonah crab

noun

1. a large, red, deepwater crab, Cancer borealis, of the east coast of North America.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jonah crab¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Another provision supported by the Maine delegation was added to aid the state’s lobster and Jonah crab fisheries, delaying regulations proposed to help save endangered North Atlantic right whales.

From Seattle Times

You can also dine with less adventure on a Jonah crab salad or a grilled strip steak.

From New York Times

In a New York brasserie you almost never see choucroute, but you may well see Jonah crab salad, which at Le Crocodile, is stirred with yuzukosho mayonnaise and sits on a cushion of avocado purée.

From New York Times

For 2019 we’re thinking about a lobster roll topped with white truffle butter, cocktail Jonah crab claws with a bunch of different sauces, lightly fried scallops and a wasabi soy roll.

From New York Times

Elsewhere, the Jonah crab has also found acceptance as an alternative to the West Coast’s popular Dungeness crab.

From Washington Times