What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crustacean
Example
The crustacean family includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. [crustacean: noun]
Example
The restaurant serves a variety of dishes made from crustaceans. [crustaceans: plural noun]
prawn
Example
I ordered a prawn cocktail for my appetizer. [prawn: noun]
Example
The chef used fresh prawns to make the paella. [prawns: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prawn is more commonly used than crustacean in everyday language, especially in the context of food and cooking. However, crustacean is a more general term that encompasses a wider range of aquatic animals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crustacean and prawn?
Both crustacean and prawn can be used in formal and informal contexts, but crustacean may be more commonly used in scientific or technical settings due to its broader definition.
