shrimp
word
Definition
A shrimp is a small sea animal with a shell and many legs, often used as food. In informal English, it can also mean a very small or weak person, but that use can sound rude.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly refers to the seafood. In everyday English, 'shrimp' is often used as both singular and plural, though 'shrimps' exists in technical or species-specific contexts. Common collocations: 'shrimp cocktail', 'fried shrimp', 'shrimp pasta'. The person meaning is old-fashioned or insulting.
Example Sentences
We saw tiny shrimp in the water.
basic
I ordered grilled shrimp for dinner.
basic
This soup has shrimp and rice in it.
basic
Do you eat shrimp, or are you allergic to shellfish?
natural
The garlic shrimp here is amazing — you should try it.
natural
Don't call him a shrimp just because he's shorter than you.
natural