noun

shrimp

prawn, shrimp

I love grilled shrimp.

I love grilled prawns.

He's a little shrimp, but he's strong.

He's a little shrimp, but he's strong.

((a plate of shrimp/prawns)) a dish of shrimp We ordered a plate of fried prawns.

((a shrimp of a person)) a small person (informal) He may be a shrimp, but he's smart.

Synonyms (animal): prawn; Synonyms (person): runt, small fry; Antonyms (person): giant

From Middle English 'shrimpe', related to German 'schrumpfen' (to shrink), referring to its small size.

Imagine a small, 'shrunken' creature in the sea. Note: In the UK, larger ones are often called 'prawns'.

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