prawn

1 of 2

noun

ˈprȯn How to pronounce prawn (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Some families tossed about a rugby ball, while others cooked up a feast of prawns, sausages and a whole roast chicken. Victoria Kim, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 Though these prawns have spiny shells that are difficult to peel, the meat has a sweet taste like lobster, making this entree one of the eatery’s main attractions. Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
The spendy options run from the eponymous Italian dishes of dressed fish to uni taco bites, caviar nachos and prawns a la plancha. Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024 There are several Latin American influences, too, such as the lighter-than-air Tres Leches cake and the tiger prawns yello anticucho. Michele Robson, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for prawn

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prawn was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prawn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prawn. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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

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