prawn

[prawn]

noun

1. any of various shrimplike decapod crustaceans of the genera Palaemon, Penaeus, etc., certain of which are used as food.

verb (used with object)

1. to catch prawns, as for food.

prawn

/ prɔːn /

noun

1. any of various small edible marine decapod crustaceans of the genera Palaemon, Penaeus, etc, having a slender flattened body with a long tail and two pairs of pincers

2. informal,  to attempt deception

Other Word Forms

• prawner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prawn¹

1400–50; late Middle English prane, of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of prawn¹

C15: of obscure origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. come the raw prawn, to try to impose on or deceive someone (followed bywith ).

Example Sentences

Ms Hodgson, 40, who works as a vocal coach, was named chef of the day in her appearance on the first episode of the show's 21st series in which she prepared an Indonesian prawn curry.

From BBC

Some say he spent most tea times with New Yorker reporter Emily Hahn, two legends living legendarily, sharing tales over cucumber sandwiches, curried prawns, scones with clotted cream and strong black tea.

From Salon

Massara, an Italian restaurant in New York City, even serves a cold pasta: a chilled spaghetti with red prawn and briny, decadent sea urchin.

From Salon

During the 12-hour shifts on the water, the pair catch prawns, lobsters and brown crab which is then taken to a local factory and shipped off to places like Spain and France.

From BBC

Over time though, the UK government says lowering tariffs on the likes of clothing, jewellery, and frozen prawns "could" lead to cheaper prices and more choice.

From BBC

Related Words

• clam 
• conch 
• crawfish 
• crustacean 
• lobster 
• mollusk 
• mussel 
• oyster 
• scallop 
• shrimp 
• snail