stone crab

American  

noun

1. an edible crab, Menippe mercenaria, of rocky shores from the southern U.S. to Mexico and certain areas of the Caribbean, prized for the meat of its claws.

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Etymology

Origin of stone crab

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Example Sentences

But at least four groups of decapods - including sponge crabs, porcelain crabs, king crabs and the Australian hairy stone crab - are "imposters" that have gradually transformed their shape by tucking their tail underneath.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

He ranks popcorn as his second-favorite food to stone crab, which would be even tougher to eat while on air.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Although you can’t go wrong, the seafood dishes are especially amazing; the cashew-crusted fillet and the stone crab were highly recommended by restaurant staff.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2022

A lavish dining room with a Japanese menu, including imported Kobe beef and stone crab sunomono and desserts by Stephanie Prida, is next to the sushi counter.

From New York Times • May 4, 2021

“Blue mussels here. And here’s a dead stone crab, can you feel his claw? Watch your head now.”

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr