Definition

Noun: A cold appetizer consisting of cooked, chilled shrimp served with a dipping sauce, typically a tomato-based cocktail sauce.

Usage

Shrimp cocktail is served as a first course or hors d'oeuvre. It is presented with the shrimp arranged around a cup or small bowl of sauce, often on a bed of ice or lettuce.

Examples

• Noun:
  • For the starter, I ordered the shrimp cocktail.
  • The caterer prepared a large platter of shrimp cocktail for the party guests.
  • A classic shrimp cocktail sauce is made with ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice.

Advanced Usage

• As a culinary standard: The term denotes a specific, classic preparation and presentation, not just any combination of shrimp and sauce.
  • The restaurant's menu features a modern twist on the traditional shrimp cocktail.

Variants and Related Words

• Cocktail sauce (n): The piquant sauce, often tomato-based, served with shrimp cocktail.
  • The key to a good shrimp cocktail is a well-balanced cocktail sauce.

Synonyms

• Prawn cocktail (n): Used interchangeably in some regions, particularly where "prawn" is the common term for large shrimp.

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to the prepared dish. It is a compound noun where "cocktail" does not refer to an alcoholic drink but to a dish of cold food served with a sauce.

Noun

1. a cocktail of cold cooked shrimp and a sauce