lobster
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lobster, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large marine crustacean with a hard shell and large front claws, turning red when cooked and prized as seafood.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lobster
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English loppestre, possibly a corruption of Latin locusta ("grasshopper" or a shrimp-like crustacean).
Full origin of lobster →Frequently asked questions
What does “lobster” mean?
The word “lobster” means a large marine crustacean with a hard shell and large front claws, turning red when cooked and prized as seafood. In plain terms, a prized shellfish with claws, or informally, sunburnt skin the same shade of red.
How do you pronounce “lobster”?
“Lobster” is pronounced LOB-stuh (/ˈlɑb.stɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lobster” in a sentence?
Here is “lobster” used in a sentence: “We ordered grilled lobster with melted butter for dinner.”
What is another word for “lobster”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lobster” include sea locust.
What part of speech is “lobster”?
Depending on how it is used, “lobster” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “lobster” come from?
The word “lobster” comes from Latin. From Old English loppestre, possibly a corruption of Latin locusta ("grasshopper" or a shrimp-like crustacean).
Is “lobster” a common word?
“Lobster” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lobster” have?
“Lobster” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large marine crustacean with a hard shell and large front claws, turning red when cooked and prized as seafood.
Why does lobster turn red when cooked?
A lobster's shell contains a pigment that is normally masked by other proteins while the animal is alive, and cooking breaks down those proteins, revealing the red colour that gives cooked lobster its familiar bright red appearance.
What is the difference between lobster and crab?
Both are marine crustaceans, but a lobster has a long body with large front claws, while a crab has a shorter, broader body and typically lacks the same elongated tail and claw structure. Lobster is also generally considered a more prized seafood item.
Why is lobster used to describe sunburn?
As an adjective, lobster describes a bright red colour, and it is used informally to describe skin that has turned that same bright red shade from sunburn, drawing a direct comparison to a cooked lobster's shell.