prawn

1 of 2

noun

ˈprȯn 

ˈprän

: any of various widely distributed edible decapod crustaceans: such as

a

: one (as of the genera Pandalus and Penaeus) that resembles shrimp and has a large compressed abdomen

b

: shrimp

especially : a large shrimp

c

: langoustine

prawn

2 of 2

verb

prawned; prawning; prawns

intransitive verb

: to fish for or with prawns

prawner noun

Examples of prawn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Try the red prawn croquettes or Iberian pork with tarragon and mustard duck with spring mushrooms. — Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026

The mixed grill arrives still singing from the flame, layered with calamari, prawns, and buttery seabass. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

And business class passengers have the option of prawn cocktail with caviar, beef wellington and chicken florentine. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026

There are other entrees as well, like sword fish rolls, king prawns and scampi and calves liver. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English prane

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1886, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prawn

• Dublin Bay prawn

Rhymes for prawn

• aune
• bon
• bonne
• brawn
• chon
• con
• conn
• crohn
• dawn
• drawn
• fawn
• gone

Kids Definition

prawn

noun

ˈprȯn, 

ˈprän

1

: any of numerous widespread edible crustaceans that resemble shrimps

2

: shrimp entry 1 sense 1

especially : a large shrimp