Dungeness crab

American  

[duhn-juh-nes, duhn-juh-nes] / ˈdʌn dʒəˌnɛs, ˌdʌn dʒəˈnɛs /

noun

1. an edible crab, Cancer magister, of shallow Pacific coastal waters from northern California to Alaska.

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Etymology

Origin of Dungeness crab

First recorded in 1920–25; after Dungeness, village in NW Washington

Example Sentences

The Dungeness crab season had opened just a few weeks earlier — two months behind schedule — and was off to a slow start.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2025

The anemic hauls so early in the season mark the latest setback for California’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery, a roughly $45-million-a-year industry that delivers one of the state’s most iconic culinary delights.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2025

“The potential for impact,” he said, “can’t be quantified. If they eat the juvenile crab, that could be a big deal. Dungeness crab is our No. 1 fishery.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2024

Recent highlights include kohlrabi or steamed Dungeness crab with herbs, fruits and almond milk and a crispy black cod that’s been cured and then pan-roasted.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2023

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The California Fish and Wildlife Department has ordered another delay in the commercial Dungeness crab fishing season — the second so far this winter.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2023