Meaning & use
crab
Last updated
A crustacean with a broad, flattened shell and a pair of pincer-like front claws, typically walking sideways.
See it in a sentence
The children spent the afternoon catching crabs along the tide pools.
He complained about everything on the trip, crabbing about the weather, the food, and the hotel.
A note on using this word
The verb sense, meaning to complain irritably, likely comes from the animal's sideways, awkward gait and its reputation for pinching.
Words with a similar meaning
crustacean
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To complain in an irritable or peevish way (informal, verb).
Stop crabbing about the traffic and just enjoy the ride.
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