Plural of Shrimp
For the crustacean noun, dictionaries record both “shrimp” and “shrimps” as plural forms. Cambridge also distinguishes an informal person sense that uses “shrimps.” Do not invent a universal species-versus-individual rule for the animal plurals; follow the actual sense and any controlling specialist or house convention.
Both “shrimp” and “shrimps” are dictionary-recorded plurals of the animal noun “shrimp.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one crustacean | shrimp | Singular. |
| more than one crustacean | shrimp / shrimps | Both dictionary-recorded plurals. |
| informal person sense | shrimps | Separate lexical use in Cambridge. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Are you referring to more than one shrimp as animals?
If yes: Use accepted “shrimp” or “shrimps,” subject to context/style.
If no: Use singular “shrimp” for one animal or the grammar of the separate informal sense.
Caveat: General dictionaries accept both animal plurals but do not supply a universal semantic split between them.
Examples
Several shrimp were added to the tank.
“Shrimp” can be plural without changing form.
The survey counted hundreds of shrimps.
“Shrimps” is also dictionary-recorded.
One shrimp remained near the rock.
One takes singular “shrimp.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “shrimp” or “shrimps” for more than one animal where the context permits.
Fast Test
Identify the animal or informal-person sense first, then follow any controlling style convention.
Usage Boundary
Do not claim one animal plural always means species and the other individuals without stronger specialist evidence.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- SHRIMP Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Merriam-Webster records plural shrimp or shrimps.
- SHRIMP | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge records shrimps or shrimp for the animal sense and distinguishes the informal person sense, where shrimps is used.