What does prawn mean?
A prawn is an edible marine crustacean related to shrimp and lobster. It has a segmented body, numerous legs, and two conspicuous claws, and it is commonly grilled, boiled, or served in dishes such as prawn cocktails and prawn crackers. In British English, the word often refers specifically to larger shrimp-like crustaceans, while American English more commonly uses “shrimp” as the general term. “Prawn” also has chiefly British informal meanings: it can be an adjective meaning “excellent” and a verb meaning to accept or take a bribe. Those senses are figurative and should be understood as informal rather than standard business or legal vocabulary. The word is therefore both a familiar food term and an example of how the same lexical item can develop distinctly regional meanings.
A large edible marine crustacean with a long body, many legs, and usually two prominent claws, related to shrimp and lobster.
"We shared a plate of prawns with lemon dressing."
In British English, “prawn” often specifically indicates a larger crustacean than “shrimp.”
Chiefly British and informal, to accept or take a bribe.
"The official denied that he had prawned anyone."
Informal and chiefly British; not appropriate for formal descriptions of corrupt conduct.
Chiefly British and informal, excellent; appealing.
"That is a prawn restaurant."
Chiefly British and informal, especially used in praise.
The regular plural is “prawns,” as in a serving of grilled prawns.
"The recipe calls for two pounds of prawns."
A prawn is a shrimp with a starring role: in many English-speaking countries, the word “shrimp” is the everyday term, but “prawn” carries a more refined restaurant-menu aura.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prawn come from?
The precise origin of the word is uncertain, but English borrowed “prawn” through Old French from a form ultimately associated with a word for shrimp. The modern English word developed in the Middle English period, and its culinary meaning is now the dominant one. Its British informal meanings are later figurative developments rather than separate inherited words.
Related word forms
How prawn is actually used
In British English, “prawn” is commonly used for larger shrimp-like crustaceans, whereas American speakers often use “shrimp” for both smaller and larger specimens. The informal meanings “excellent” and “to accept a bribe” are chiefly associated with British English.
Easily confused with prawn
Both are edible crustaceans, but “shrimp” is the broader common term for small decapod crustaceans, while “prawn” usually suggests a larger animal and is especially common in British usage.