Meaning & Definition of word "Shrimp"

Shrimp

/ʃrɪmp/

noun:

  • 1. A small marine creature with a slender body, long legs, and a shell, often used as food.
    • Example: We ordered grilled shrimp for dinner at the seaside restaurant.
  • 2. Any of various small crustaceans, including both marine and freshwater species.
    • Example: The aquarium has a tank filled with colorful shrimp that filter feed on algae.
  • 3. A term often used informally to refer to a person or thing of small size.
    • Example: Despite being a shrimp compared to the other players, he excelled in agility.

verb:

  • 1. To catch or harvest shrimp.
    • Example: The fishermen shrimps in the local bay every summer.

Etymology

Middle English *shrimpe*, perhaps from Old Norse *smjúka* meaning 'to creep'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

shrimp on the barbie:

A phrase popularized by Australian culture referring to grilling shrimp.

like a shrimp in a tsunami:

Feeling small or insignificant in a much larger context.

Related Words

prawn:

A similar type of crustacean, typically larger than shrimp.

lobster:

A large marine crustacean with long antennae and a pair of large claws.

Slang Meanings of shrimp

Meaning: To be small or insignificant.

Example Sentence: Stop acting like a shrimp; you can handle this task.

Meaning: To cheat or scam someone.

Example Sentence: He was shrimping the gambler out of his money.