shrimp

[ shrimp ]

noun

, plural shrimps, (especially collectively) shrimp

1. any of several small, long-tailed, chiefly marine crustaceans of the decapod suborder Natania, certain species of which are used as food.
2. Informal. a diminutive or insignificant person.

verb (used without object)

1. to catch or try to catch shrimps.

adjective

1. (of food) made with or containing shrimp:

   shrimp salad.

2. of or relating to shrimp or their catching, processing, and marketing:

   a shrimp boat.

shrimp

/ ʃrɪmp /

noun

1. any of various chiefly marine decapod crustaceans of the genus Crangon and related genera, having a slender flattened body with a long tail and a single pair of pincers
2. any of various similar but unrelated crustaceans, such as the opossum shrimp and mantis shrimp
3. Also calledfreshwater shrimp any of various freshwater shrimplike amphipod crustaceans of the genus Gammarus, esp G. pulex
4. Also calledsand shrimp any of various shrimplike amphipod crustaceans of the genus Gammarus, esp G. locusta See also opossum shrimp
5. informal.
   a diminutive person, esp a child

verb

1. intr to fish for shrimps

Derived Forms

• ˈshrimper, noun

Other Words From

• shrimplike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrimp¹

1300–50; Middle English shrimpe crustacean, puny person; akin to Middle High German schrimpfen to contract, Old English scrimman to shrink

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrimp¹

C14: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Low German schrempen to shrink; see scrimp , crimp

Example Sentences

When the local seafood market sold out, they had to drive 45 minutes for sea bass or shrimp.

From Los Angeles Times

Red Lobster may not be bringing back its infamous $20 endless shrimp deal anytime soon, but the fast-casual seafood chain has several new value options for its loyal customers.

From Salon

But if forced outdoors, the comedian’s dream Sunday would begin with movement followed by stops for shrimp and barbecue.

From Los Angeles Times

His favorite food was hibachi, the chopped steak, chicken, shrimp and lobster served at places like Benihana.

From Los Angeles Times

Women sort shrimp prior to processing at Avanti Frozen Foods, one of the largest producers in India, which is responsible for some 30% of the world’s shrimp exports.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

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