fiddler crab

noun

1. any small, burrowing crab of the genus Uca, characterized by one greatly enlarged claw in the male.

fiddler crab

noun

1. any of various burrowing crabs of the genus Uca of American coastal regions, the males of which have one of their anterior pincer-like claws very much enlarged

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiddler crab¹

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiddler crab¹

C19: referring to the rapid fiddling movement of the enlarged anterior claw of the males, used to attract females

Example Sentences

On the northwest coast of Taiwan, nestled between mudflats teeming with fiddler crabs and sweet-scented persimmon orchards, sits the world’s most important company that you’ve probably never heard of.

From Time

The curious crustacean known as the "fiddler crab" is unusually numerous in the marshes of Long Island, this summer.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Martian was scuttling away like a huge fiddler crab, the Josmian clutched in one scrawny fist.

From Project Gutenberg

Ang agúkuy magtakilid nga maglakaw, The fiddler crab walks sideways.

From Project Gutenberg

The big arm of the fiddler crab, held across its face, closes its burrow like a door.

From Project Gutenberg