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

Mr Walsh, who described himself as a "dabhand at handling crabs" after taking his kids crabbing on their holidays, said he gave the creature "a little stroke" and could see it was still moving.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2025

And the weeks that are open to crabbing pose some of the most dangerous wind and weather conditions of the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2025

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

At 4 A.M., when I heard Dad get up to go crabbing, I got up to go with him.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings