blue crab

American  

noun

1. an edible crab, Callinectes sapidus, having a dark green body and bluish legs, found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America.

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Etymology

Origin of blue crab

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Tender flaked blue crab and summer squash add sweetness and depth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 15, 2025

Atlantic blue crab species reached the Mediterranean in ballast waters and through the Suez Canal.

From National Geographic • Jan. 29, 2024

In 2022, blue crab dredge survey results found the lowest number of crabs in the bay in the survey’s 33-year history.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 5, 2023

Those walking by can, at once, catch a scent of briny, freshly caught blue crab and the piquant smell of scotch bonnet.

From Salon • Sep. 25, 2022

He reached down and scooped up a baby blue crab, which he cupped in his hands.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen