shipload: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Informal, Business, Journalism
Quick answer
What does “shipload” mean?
An amount of goods that can fill or does fill a ship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An amount of goods that can fill or does fill a ship; a full cargo.
Often used to describe an extremely large quantity of something, similar to a ship's capacity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is consistent. 'Shipload' is standard in both varieties. The metaphorical use ('a shipload of work') is equally common.
Connotations
Neutral. Conveys magnitude, often with a sense of being overwhelming or burdensome in metaphorical use.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, more common in trade/import-export contexts and hyperbolic speech/writing.
Grammar
How to Use “shipload” in a Sentence
[Verb] + a shipload + of + [Noun]receive/import/unload + a shiploadVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in logistics, shipping, and import/export reports. 'The port received a shipload of new vehicles.'
Academic
Rare, except in economic or historical texts describing trade.
Everyday
Used hyperbolically. 'I've got a shipload of laundry to do this weekend.'
Technical
Maritime and logistics contexts for precise measurement of cargo.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shipload”
- Using it as a verb ('They shiploaded the goods' is incorrect). Confusing with 'shipment' (which can be any size).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'shipload' is only a noun. The verb form would be 'to load a ship' or 'to ship'.
No, it's frequently used hyperbolically in informal contexts to mean 'a very large amount' of anything (e.g., 'a shipload of problems').
A 'shipment' is any consignment sent by ship (or other transport), of any size. A 'shipload' specifically implies an amount that fills a ship, i.e., a very large shipment.
In metaphorical, hyperbolic use, yes—they all mean 'a huge amount'. Literally, they refer to the capacity of different vessels/vehicles.
An amount of goods that can fill or does fill a ship.
Shipload is usually informal, business, journalism in register.
Shipload: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪp.ləʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪp.loʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a standalone idiom, but used in hyperbolic phrases like 'a shipload of trouble']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a SHIP being LOADed until it's completely full—that's a SHIPLOAD.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS VOLUME (of a ship's hold). Used to conceptualise a very large, often unmanageable, amount.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'shipload' LEAST likely to be used?