crab

crab · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A crustacean with a broad, flat body, stalked eyes, and five pairs of legs, the first pair modified as pincers.

  2. 2.

    To move sideways like a crab.

  3. 3.

    The flesh of a crab as food.

  4. 4.

    To fish for crabs.

  5. 5.

    To complain or find fault.

  6. 6.

    (Informal) A bad-tempered or grumpy person.

  7. 7.

    (Zodiac) The constellation or zodiac sign Cancer.

Forms

plural: crabs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    catch a crab — to make a faulty stroke in rowing
  • •
    crabby — bad-tempered, irritable

Related words

See also: crustacean, lobster, seafood, shrimp
Synonyms: crustacean

Etymology

From Old English "crabba," from Proto-Germanic "*krabbaz," related to Dutch "krab" and German "Krabbe."