rock crab

American

noun

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.

Etymology

Origin of rock crab

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2025

What brings the rock crab ashore to feed?

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2019

Lines form early and can be quite long, but those are only for rock crab and spot prawns.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2015

For rock crab and spot prawns, it's best to arrive by 6 a.m. to make sure they don't run out.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2015

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.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023