Shrimp

Definition

Shrimp refers to any of various small, long-bodied crustaceans with a short forked tail, found in marine or freshwater environments and widely used as food. Its plural form is shrimp or shrimps.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ʃrɪmp/
• Respelling: SHRIMP

British English

• IPA: /ʃrɪmp/
• Respelling: SHRIMP

Etymology

Middle English shrimp, from Old English scrimpa, related to Low German srempe; of Germanic origin.

Derivatives

• shrimping (noun)
• shrimpy (adjective, informal)

Synonyms

• prawn (regional, larger species)
• decapod (broad group)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "shrimp" is used in culinary and biological contexts to refer to small edible crustaceans. For example, "The chef sautéed fresh shrimp in garlic butter," or "In many cuisines, shrimp is a popular seafood ingredient."

Related Terms

• Crustacean: Aquatic arthropods with exoskeletons, including shrimp and crabs.
• Prawn: A term often used interchangeably with shrimp, usually for larger species.
• Shellfish: Edible aquatic invertebrates with shells.
• Decapod: An order of crustaceans with ten legs.
• Aquaculture: The farming of aquatic organisms, including shrimp.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A small marine or freshwater crustacean – elongated body, primarily benthic, often harvested for food.
  • Example: "Fishermen trawled the bays for wild-caught shrimp."
• An informal term for a small or insignificant person – used colloquially.
  • Example: "He felt like a shrimp among the towering basketball players."