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

The Plateau Heretik comes with oysters, razor clams, lobster, prawns and purple uni, and is available in either a half size for $78 or the true pièce de résistance for $150. —Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 3 June 2026

Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Vinaròs, Costa del Azahar On the Costa del Azahar — the Orange Blossom Coast — Vinaròs is renowned for its beaches, coves and its red prawns. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 June 2026

The famed lavender beef is back, as is the cote du boeuf, topped with charred prawns, blackberries and garlic confit, which was considered the entry-level beef dish at the Beatrice. —Tony Sachs, Forbes.com, 1 June 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