yabby

[ yab-ee ]

noun

1. a small Australian crayfish, of the genus Cherax, inhabiting streams and water holes.

yabby

/ ˈjæbɪ /

noun

1. a small freshwater crayfish of the genus Cherax , esp C. destructor
2. Also callednipper a marine prawn used as bait

verb

1. intr to go out to catch yabbies

Word History and Origins

Origin of yabby¹

First recorded in 1890–95; from Wergaia (an Australian Aboriginal language spoken around Wimmera, Victoria) yabij

Word History and Origins

Origin of yabby¹

from a native Australian language

Example Sentences

The second, which came out in 2016, held 16,000, including words borrowed from more than 100 Indigenous Australian languages — billabong, kangaroo and yabby, to name a few.

From New York Times

In addition, scientists say they would like to see more thoughtful river regulation; less land clearing for agriculture, which contributes to river erosion; and the banning of “yabby traps,” which are used to catch crustaceans but often ensnare platypus as well.

From National Geographic

"These include dams that stop their movements, agriculture which can destroy their burrows, fishing gear and yabby traps which can drown them and invasive foxes which can kill them," Kingsford said in a media statement.

From Salon

“They have very strong sharp teeth, very dextrous little hands. They can pick up a fish or a yabby and open them up very quickly and target the areas they like.”

From Fox News

Yabby Lake 3013 Block 2 pinot noir, Mornington Peninsula, $65: From one of the most exciting pinot regions in Australia, this shows off classic aromas and flavors of cranberry, red currant, a hint of espresso and herbal tea.

From Seattle Times