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Shrimp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shrimp

[ʃrɪmp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

seafood

A small, pink, edible crustacean with a long tail, used in various dishes such as shrimp cocktail, shrimp scampi, and shrimp fried rice.

Synonyms

prawn.

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Word Description / Examples
shrimp

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.
prawn

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.

Examples of usage

  • Would you like to order shrimp for dinner?
  • She made a delicious shrimp stir-fry for lunch.
  • The restaurant serves a variety of shrimp dishes.
Context #2 | Noun

size comparison

Something small or puny in size.

Synonyms

small, tiny.

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Word Description / Examples
shrimp

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.
small

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

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • He felt like a shrimp next to his tall friends.
  • The tiny puppy looked like a little shrimp.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To fish for shrimp.

Synonyms

fish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shrimp

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.
fish

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.

Examples of usage

  • We decided to go shrimp for our dinner.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'shrimp'

The word 'shrimp' originated from the Middle English 'shrimpe', which meant a puny person or creature. It is believed to have Dutch or Low German roots. The term 'shrimp' was first used to refer to the crustacean in the early 17th century. Shrimp have been a popular seafood choice for centuries, enjoyed in various cuisines around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,194, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.