'prawn' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'praun' (also seen as 'prauwen'), where the ultimate origin is uncertain but it is likely influenced by Middle Low German 'prōn' meaning 'shrimp'.

'prawn' changed from Middle English 'praun' (or 'prauwen') and eventually became the modern English word 'prawn'.

Initially it meant a 'shrimp- or small crustacean-like animal'; over time the term has been especially applied in culinary contexts to refer to edible shrimp-like decapods, often larger varieties.