crabbing

American  

[krab-ing] / ˈkræb ɪŋ /

noun

1. the activity or occupation of fishing for crabs.

2. a finishing process for reducing shrinkage and creasing of woolens and worsteds by stretching the fabric on a rotating cylinder and immersing in hot or, sometimes, cold water.

3. Aeronautics. the maneuver of heading partly into the wind to compensate for drift.

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Etymology

Origin of crabbing

First recorded in 1870–75; crab ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

A fundraiser set up in Meadows’ name described the deckhand from Montesano, Wash., as a father to “three amazing little boys” who died “while doing what he loved — crabbing out on Alaskan waters.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Thousands of people tune in to watch pilots perform a "crabbing" movement during stormy conditions and strong crosswinds.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2025

And the weeks that are open to crabbing pose some of the most dangerous wind and weather conditions of the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2025

It’s a beautiful spot for nature lovers to hike, bike, camp, stargaze, fish and even go crabbing, but it’s most known for its special four-legged animals: wild horses!

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

Another plane was crabbing in as low as it could safely fly, two broad searchlight beams stretching and leaping toward the ground before and behind it.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein