FIDDLER CRAB Definition & Meaning

fiddler crab

noun

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

fiddler crab

noun

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

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of fiddler crab¹

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of fiddler crab¹

C19: referring to the rapid fiddling movement of the enlarged anterior claw of the males, used to attract females

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

From

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

From

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

From

For the neck to be a primarily sexual characteristic, it would need to be larger in males than in females, like a fiddler crab’s fiddle claw—but it isn’t.

From

The place of the fiddler crab in the ecology of the world it inhabits is a necessary one, not easily filled.

From

Browse