Langimage
English

lobster

|lob-ster|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈlɑːbstər/

🇬🇧

/ˈlɒbstə/

marine crustacean

Etymology
Etymology Information

'lobster' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'loppestre,' where 'loppe' meant 'spider' and '-estre' was a suffix used for agents.

Historical Evolution

'loppestre' transformed into the Middle English word 'lobster,' and eventually became the modern English word 'lobster.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'spider-like creature,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'marine crustacean.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a large marine crustacean with a cylindrical body, stalked eyes, and the first of its five pairs of limbs modified as pincers.

The chef prepared a delicious lobster dish for dinner.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a person who is awkward or clumsy (informal, dated).

He was such a lobster on the dance floor.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/05/25 07:04