What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
seafood
Example
I love eating seafood, especially sushi. [seafood: noun]
Example
The seafood paella was delicious, with a variety of shellfish and fish. [seafood: adjective]
shrimp
Example
I ordered the shrimp cocktail as an appetizer. [shrimp: noun]
Example
The stir-fry had a generous amount of shrimp and vegetables. [shrimp: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Seafood is a more common term than shrimp since it covers a wider range of sea creatures and dishes. However, shrimp is still a popular ingredient in many cuisines and can be found in most seafood restaurants and markets.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between seafood and shrimp?
Both seafood and shrimp are neutral terms that can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context. However, when referring to high-end or gourmet seafood dishes, seafood may be more appropriate.