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
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
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
The main courses range from fresh fish such as monkfish or tuna to red prawns with creamy rice, and tender suckling pig with a cinnamon apple purée. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 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 First-course choices include prawn tartare with Málaga-style Ajoblanco and tomato concassé, and grilled Iberian asparagus with Iberian ham crème, croutons and tomato concassé. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 The linguine with tenerumi (a local vegetable), candied tomato, and Sciacca prawn tartare is a standout. — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing prawn

Rhymes for prawn

See All Rhymes for prawn

Browse Nearby Words

pravity
prawn
prawn killer
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Cite this Entry

“Prawn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prawn. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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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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