ship
A2Neutral (used across all registers from everyday to technical)
Definition
Meaning
A large vessel that travels on water, especially across seas and oceans, used for transporting people or goods.
To send or transport something, especially goods, from one place to another; also used in modern contexts for sending digital files or products to customers, and in fandom culture to endorse a romantic relationship between fictional characters.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun primarily refers to large seagoing vessels. The verb sense is highly productive and has expanded into commerce ('ship an order') and internet culture ('to ship a couple'). It implies a process of dispatch and transit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'ship' identically for the noun and verb. Spelling is the same. The compound 'shipping' (as in transport costs) is universal.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The fandom usage ('to ship') originated in US internet culture but is now global.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] ship [NP] (to/from NP)[NP] ship [NP] [AdvP (out/off)][NP] be shippedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run a tight ship”
- “jump ship”
- “when my ship comes in”
- “ships that pass in the night”
- “spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to logistics and supply chain: 'We ship worldwide.' 'Shipping costs are included.'
Academic
Used in historical, economic, or engineering contexts: 'The merchant ship played a key role in colonial trade.'
Everyday
Common for discussing travel, online orders, or posting items: 'I'll ship your birthday present tomorrow.'
Technical
In naval architecture: 'The ship's hull was reinforced.' In computing: 'The software update ships next week.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company will ship the order from their warehouse in Birmingham.
- Can you ship these documents to our Edinburgh office by courier?
American English
- We ship all our products from a fulfillment center in Ohio.
- The book will ship as soon as payment is processed.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a pure adverb) The cargo was sent ship and shore.
- (N/A)
American English
- (Rare as a pure adverb) They travelled ship to shore by tender.
- (N/A)
adjective
British English
- The ship's captain addressed the crew.
- We need to review the ship building regulations.
American English
- The ship's log recorded the incident.
- The shipyard handles ship construction and repair.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a big ship in the harbour.
- We will ship the toys to the children.
- The cruise ship can carry over 3,000 passengers.
- Please allow 5-7 business days for us to ship your order.
- The container ship was detained for a routine inspection.
- The new policy ships next quarter with several key features.
- The naval architect was commissioned to design a ice-breaking ship.
- Fans of the show passionately ship the two lead characters, generating vast amounts of fan art.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a large SHIP with a giant SHIPPING label on its side, being SENT across the ocean.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / A SHIP (e.g., 'ship of state', 'navigate life's challenges'); COMMERCE IS TRANSPORT ('ship a product', 'ideas shipped to market').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'sheep' (овца) – a common pronunciation error.
- The verb 'to ship' is broader than Russian 'отправлять по морю' – it can be by any method.
- The noun 'ship' typically implies a large vessel, not a small 'лодка' (boat).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'They sent it by ship.' (Correct but less common than 'They shipped it.')
- Incorrect: 'The ship was shipping in the ocean.' (Awkward repetition; use 'sailing' or 'traveling').
- Spelling: Confusing 'ship' with 'sheep'.
Practice
Quiz
In modern internet slang, what does it mean 'to ship a couple'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, a 'ship' is larger, ocean-going, and can carry boats. A 'boat' is smaller. The rule of thumb is "a ship can carry a boat, but a boat cannot carry a ship."
Yes. While historically maritime, the verb 'to ship' now means to send goods by any method of transport (truck, plane, train).
It's an idiom meaning to manage an organization or group in a strict, efficient, and well-disciplined way.
It is a well-established slang term within internet and popular culture but is not typically used in formal writing. It is understood by most younger, digitally-native speakers.
Collections
Part of a collection
Transport
A2 · 48 words · Ways of getting from place to place.