Shrimp: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily in American English to refer to small marine crustaceans. Common in casual and culinary contexts.

• I ordered a shrimp cocktail as an appetizer.
• Shrimp scampi is one of my favorite dishes.

Used mainly in British and Commonwealth English. Typically refers to larger crustaceans and can be used in more formal culinary or scientific contexts.

• We had prawn curry for dinner last night.
• Prawns are often found in coastal waters.

A sea creature that is used as food, ideal in culinary contexts or when discussing marine life.

• We had a delicious shrimp cocktail at the party.
• The shrimp population near the coast is declining.

General descriptor for size, suitable in numerous contexts when describing objects, people, or quantities.

• She has a small car.
• His apartment is really small.

Emphasizes very small size, often used to describe objects or creatures that are extremely small, sometimes to highlight their delicateness or insignificance.

• He held a tiny kitten in his hand.
• The print on the document is so tiny, I can barely read it.

This word is often used to refer to a small shellfish that people eat. It is also commonly used in cooking and in restaurant contexts.

• I’d like to order shrimp scampi for dinner.
• The seafood dish includes shrimp, mussels, and clams.

This term refers to aquatic animals that have gills and live in water. It is widely used in general discussions about marine life, fishing, cooking, and aquarium contexts.

• We went fishing and caught a big fish.
• Salmon is my favorite type of fish to eat.