crab

word

/ˈkɹæb/
krab
/kɹˈæb/
krab

Definition

A crab is a sea animal with a hard shell, ten legs, and two claws. It usually moves sideways and is also commonly eaten as seafood.

Usage & Nuances

Usually a countable noun: 'a crab', 'crabs'. Common collocations include 'crab legs', 'crab meat', and 'hermit crab'. In informal English, 'crabby' means bad-tempered, but 'crab' itself is not commonly used that way in everyday modern speech.

Example Sentences

We saw a crab on the beach.

basic

The crab moved sideways across the sand.

basic

My dad cooked crab for dinner.

basic

Be careful picking it up — that crab can pinch hard.

natural

I ordered the crab pasta, and it was amazing.

natural

Look at that little crab hiding under the rock.

natural