plural shrimp or shrimps
1
: any of numerous mostly small and marine decapod crustaceans (suborders Dendrobranchiata and Pleocyemata) having a slender elongated body, a compressed abdomen, and a long spiny rostrum and including some (especially family Penaeidae) that are commercially important as food
also
: a small crustacean (such as an amphipod or a branchiopod) resembling the true shrimp
2
usually disparaging
: a very small or puny person or thing
-er/-est
1
: full of shrimp
a shrimpy bay
2
: diminutive
a shrimpy child—
Doris Peel
Doris Peelshrimpy rosebuds—Harper's
Harper'sExamples of shrimp in a Sentence
Noun
He's a little shrimp of a boy.
the boy was just a shrimp until his teens, when he had a growth spurt
Recent Examples on the Web
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 July 2026
These poached shrimp are packed with flavor and are easily transportable in a zip-top bag nestled in your cooler.
—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
4 July 2026
Garten typically cooks the shrimp in oil first, before adding her stock, paella rice, seasoning, and sausage, with the rest of the add-ins following after.
—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 July 2026
With menus inspired by the seasons, rotating dishes, bold flavors and comforting classics adorn the menu, like their famous crispy fried chicken and their shrimp and grits.
—
Carinne Geil Botta,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shrimp
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Noun
The restaurants are also rated highly for their traditional chile relleno and for the distinctive fish or shrimp tacos with chipotle sauce and mango pico de gallo.
—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 July 2026
These poached shrimp are packed with flavor and are easily transportable in a zip-top bag nestled in your cooler.
—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
4 July 2026
Garten typically cooks the shrimp in oil first, before adding her stock, paella rice, seasoning, and sausage, with the rest of the add-ins following after.
—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 July 2026
With menus inspired by the seasons, rotating dishes, bold flavors and comforting classics adorn the menu, like their famous crispy fried chicken and their shrimp and grits.
—
Carinne Geil Botta,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shrimp
Cite this Entry
“Shrimp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrimp. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shrimp
1 of 2 noun
plural shrimps or shrimp
1
: any of numerous small mostly marine shellfish that are crustaceans related to the lobsters, that have a long slender body, an abdomen that is very thin from side to side, and long legs, and that include some important as food
2
: a very small or unimportant person or thing
shrimp
2 of 2 verb
: to fish for or catch shrimps
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