fiddler crab

American  

noun

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

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fiddler crab British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of fiddler crab

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Example Sentences

“The fiddler crab scuttles across the cold sand. Overhead, a gull leans on one wing.”

From New York Times

When fiddler crab burrows were tucked among the vegetation, little extra gas was released.

From Science Magazine

Q. What is a fiddler crab’s life like?

From New York Times

The fiddler crab is not the only creature of tidal marsh and estuary to be threatened by pesticides; others of more obvious importance to man are endangered.

From Literature

Using the poison in their proboscis, some of these species are able to prey on other sea creatures you wouldn’t imagine a worm could feast on, like a fiddler crab.

From Forbes