rock crab

noun

1. any of several crabs that live along rocky beaches, especially those of the genus Cancer, as C. irroratus, of the eastern coast of North America, having the rear legs modified for running.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock crab¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Jue said he has three other types of fishing permits, which allow him to continue earning a living by catching Dungeness crab, rock crab and rockfish.

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I want to say that I am a rock crab and Tressa is a seagull, but I know Grammy would say I am being dramatic.

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What brings the rock crab ashore to feed?

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He pulled out a rock crab from California with a lovely speckled shell and a pair of California spiny lobsters with deep black and red shells.

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In addition, the daily limit is six red rock crab of either sex per day, and must measure at least 5 inches across.

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