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

Aquarium officials received some 500 marine animals from that operation on June 19, taking in an array of fish, sharks, clams, shrimp, prawns and tiny snails. — John Donegan Long Beach Post, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026

Today, its mangroves buffer Odisha’s vulnerable coastline against frequent cyclones and provide breeding grounds for fish, prawns, and crabs that sustain thousands of fisher families. — Kalpana Sunder, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2026

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

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