crabbing

American  

[krab-ing] / ˈkræb ɪŋ /

noun

1. the activity or occupation of fishing for crabs.

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.

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Etymology

Origin of crabbing

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

Example Sentences

A fundraiser set up in Meadows’ name described the deckhand from Montesano, Wash., as a father to “three amazing little boys” who died “while doing what he loved — crabbing out on Alaskan waters.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

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 • Nov. 5, 2024

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 • Jun. 3, 2024

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 • Jan. 3, 2024

Call and I had been so busy crabbing since school let out that we’d hardly been to visit the Captain together.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson