lobster

[ lob-ster ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) lob·ster, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) lob·sters.

1. any of various large, edible, marine, usually dull-green, stalk-eyed decapod crustaceans of the family Homaridae, especially of the genus Homarus, having large, asymmetrical pincers on the first pair of legs, one used for crushing and the other for cutting and tearing: the shell turns bright red when cooked.
2. spiny lobster.
3. any of various similar crustaceans, as certain crayfishes.
4. the edible meat of these animals.

lobster

/ ˈlɒbstə /

noun

1. any of several large marine decapod crustaceans of the genus Homarus, esp H. vulgaris, occurring on rocky shores and having the first pair of limbs modified as large pincers
2. any of several similar crustaceans, esp the spiny lobster
3. the flesh of any of these crustaceans, eaten as a delicacy

Word History and Origins

Origin of lobster¹

before 1000; Middle English lopster, Old English loppestre literally, spidery creature ( loppe spider ( lob ¹ ) + -stre -ster ); lop ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lobster¹

Old English loppestre, from loppe spider

Example Sentences

Lobsterfest, in which an array of special lobster dishes and sides and cocktails are served for a limited time only, will also continue to be a major showcase.

From Salon

Spiny and slipper lobsters, particularly targeted to supply more tourist-intensive islands, were also considered depleted.

From Science Daily

These range from hijackings of freight lorries delivering food to warehouses to the theft of 24 live lobsters from a storage pen in Scotland.

From BBC

But more recent history suggests something different: Foods such as sushi, offal and even lobster became desirable not despite but because of their novelty and difference.

From Salon

I really enjoy shellfish, especially scallops, lobster and langoustine.

From Salon

Related Words

• clam
• conch
• crawfish
• crustacean
• mollusk
• mussel
• oyster
• prawn
• scallop
• shrimp
• snail