Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cold appetizer dish: A "crab cocktail" is a prepared dish served as a starter, typically consisting of chilled, cooked crabmeat presented with a sauce, often in a small glass or cup.

Usage

• "Crab cocktail" is used as a countable noun to refer to a specific prepared food item, usually listed on a menu or described in a culinary context.
• It is commonly served in a cocktail glass or a similar small vessel.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• As a menu item: The term is standard in restaurant terminology, often found in the "starters" or "appetizers" section.
  • The prix fixe menu begins with a choice of soup or crab cocktail.

Variants and Related Words

• Seafood cocktail: A more general term for similar dishes that may use shrimp, lobster, or a mix of seafood instead of or in addition to crab.
• Crabmeat: The primary ingredient in a crab cocktail, referring to the meat extracted from a crab.

Synonyms

• Crab appetizer: A less specific term describing a crab-based starter dish.

Notes

• The dish is distinct from a beverage cocktail. The word "cocktail" in this context refers to a dish of mixed ingredients, often served cold.
• The accompanying sauce can vary but is typically a mayonnaise-based dressing like cocktail sauce, rémoulade, or a similar creamy or tangy sauce.

Noun

1. a cocktail of cold cooked crabmeat and a sauce