hermit crab

noun

: any of numerous chiefly marine small decapod crustaceans (especially families Diogenidae, Paguridae, and Parapaguridae) having soft asymmetrical abdomens and occupying the empty shells of gastropods

Illustration of hermit crab

Illustration of hermit crab

Examples of hermit crab in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But also chickens, guinea pigs and even hermit crabs. — Usa Today, USA Today, 13 May 2026 What do hermit crabs do on Father's Day? — Jamie Fischer, Parents, 20 June 2026 Smaller critters — hermit crabs, lightning whelks and snails — skittered along the seafloor. — Max Chesnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 Avoid giving your hermit crab wood from apple, mango, hemlock or yew trees, though, as these can have toxic bark. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hermit crab

Word History

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hermit crab was in 1735

Rhymes for hermit crab

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Browse Nearby Words

Hermitage
hermit crab
hermit crow
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hermit crab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hermit%20crab. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hermit crab

noun
: any of various small crabs that occupy empty mollusk shells

More from Merriam-Webster on hermit crab

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hermit crab

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