mole crab: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Biological, Informal
Quick answer
What does “mole crab” mean?
A small, burrowing crustacean of the family Hippidae, also known as a sand crab or sand bubbler, found on sandy beaches.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, burrowing crustacean of the family Hippidae, also known as a sand crab or sand bubbler, found on sandy beaches.
Informally, can refer to any small crab that burrows in sand, resembling the digging action of a mole. In some contexts, used metaphorically for something that digs or works beneath the surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is more common in American English coastal regions. British English might prefer 'sand crab' or the more specific 'sand bubbler'.
Connotations
Neutral, descriptive. Slightly more scientific in tone than 'sand crab'.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse; higher in marine biology, coastal ecology, or among beachgoers in specific regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mole crab” in a Sentence
The {mole crab} burrows {in the sand}.We observed {several mole crabs}.{Mole crabs} are found {on sandy shores}.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in marine biology and ecology papers to describe species of the genus Emerita.
Everyday
Used by beachcombers, fishermen, or tourists describing small crabs that disappear into the sand.
Technical
Precise term for crustaceans in the family Hippidae, known for their backward burrowing and filter-feeding.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mole crab”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mole crab”
- Confusing it with a 'mole' (the mammal).
- Using it as a general term for all small crabs.
- Misspelling as 'mol crab' or 'mowl crab'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. 'Mole crab' is a more specific term for certain species within the sand crab group, emphasizing their burrowing behavior. 'Sand crab' is the broader common name.
They are not typically harvested for human consumption due to their very small size. They are, however, an important food source for shorebirds and fish.
They are named for their mole-like behavior of quickly and efficiently burrowing backwards into the sand to escape waves and predators.
They are found on sandy beaches in temperate and tropical waters around the world, including the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the Americas.
A small, burrowing crustacean of the family Hippidae, also known as a sand crab or sand bubbler, found on sandy beaches.
Mole crab is usually technical/biological, informal in register.
Mole crab: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊl ˌkræb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊl ˌkræb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOLE digging in the ground, but this is a CRAB digging in the sand on a beach.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOMETHING HIDDEN/BURIED IS A MOLE CRAB (e.g., 'His research skills are like a mole crab's—always digging beneath the surface.').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary habitat of a mole crab?