coconut crab: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific; Everyday (in regions where it is found)
Quick answer
What does “coconut crab” mean?
A very large terrestrial crab (Birgus latro) known for its powerful claws capable of opening coconuts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large terrestrial crab (Birgus latro) known for its powerful claws capable of opening coconuts.
A species of hermit crab found on islands across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, notable for its size, climbing ability, and role in the ecosystem and local cultures. It is sometimes called the 'robber crab' for its reported habit of stealing shiny objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related terms follows regional conventions (e.g., 'colour' vs. 'color' in descriptions).
Connotations
Neutral and identical in both variants. The creature is exotic to most speakers in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general English, but slightly more likely to appear in British media/documentaries due to historical ties to Commonwealth nations in its habitat.
Grammar
How to Use “coconut crab” in a Sentence
The [adjective] coconut crab [verb, e.g., climbed, crushed, inhabits] [noun phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coconut crab” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used attributively, e.g., 'coconut-crab research']
American English
- [Rarely used attributively, e.g., 'coconut crab specimen']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in context of tourism, exotic food trade, or ecological conservation funding.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, ecology, and conservation science papers.
Everyday
Used in travel stories, nature documentaries, and general knowledge conversations.
Technical
The standard common name in zoological and wildlife management contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coconut crab”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coconut crab”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coconut crab”
- Misspelling as 'cocoanut crab'. Using it as a general term for any large tropical crab.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a species of terrestrial hermit crab. While juveniles use snail shells for protection, adults develop a hardened abdomen and do not carry shells.
They are not aggressive but can deliver a very powerful and painful pinch if threatened. They are generally shy and nocturnal.
They are found on islands across the Indian and central Pacific Oceans, including parts of Indonesia, the Seychelles, and Christmas Island.
They are omnivorous scavengers. Their diet includes fruits, nuts (like coconuts), seeds, carrion, and even other small animals.
A very large terrestrial crab (Birgus latro) known for its powerful claws capable of opening coconuts.
Coconut crab is usually technical/scientific; everyday (in regions where it is found) in register.
Coconut crab: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.kə.nʌt ˌkræb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.kə.nʌt ˌkræb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly featuring 'coconut crab'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a crab that can CRACK A COCONUT with its claws: COCO-NUT CRAB.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not strongly metaphorized in general English. Potentially a metaphor for immense pinching strength or an unlikely climber.]
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason the coconut crab has its name?