Lobster

/ˈlɒbstər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A large marine crustacean with a long body, a hard shell, and pincers, widely regarded as a delicacy.
We decided to order lobster for dinner at the seafood restaurant.
A person who is considered to be dimwitted or a fool.
He felt like such a lobster for forgetting his best friend's birthday.
The meat of the lobster, typically prepared and served as food.
The lobster bisque was rich and flavorful, made with fresh lobster meat.

Etymology

Middle English 'lobster', from Old French 'l'oustaire', from Latin 'lacertus', meaning 'a lizard'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

lobster trap
A trap used to catch lobsters.
caught like a lobster
To be caught or trapped in a difficult situation.
lobster red
Referring to a sunburned appearance.

Related Words

crustacean
A member of large class of marine animals that have exoskeletons.
seafood
Food that comes from the sea, especially fish and shellfish.
shellfish
Aquatic invertebrates with a shell, such as lobsters, crabs, and shrimp.

Slang Meanings

A person who is very tan or sunburned.
He’s so lobster after that beach trip.
A term for someone who is in a difficult or trapped situation.
When the deadline hit, he felt like a lobster in a pot.