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

Mr Walsh, who described himself as a "dabhand at handling crabs" after taking his kids crabbing on their holidays, said he gave the creature "a little stroke" and could see it was still moving.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 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

The vessel carried three adults and three minors who had been out crabbing, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

Stephanie Foley, a 41-year-old teacher whose husband and brother hope to take over her father’s crabbing business, described Horseshoe Beach as a closely knit community where folks don’t feel they have to lock their doors.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2023

One thing’s for sure: If none of this had happened, I’d be out there crabbing every day, baiting my pots in the morning and pulling them in after school.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings