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Ship Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ship

[ʃɪp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on the water

A large boat for transporting people or goods by sea.

Synonyms

boat, craft, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ship

Use 'ship' when referring to large sea-going vessels, often engaged in commercial or military operations.

  • The cargo ship is heading to the port.
  • The Navy launched a new warship this week.
vessel

Use 'vessel' in a formal or technical context to describe any large watercraft, especially one involved in commercial activity.

  • The research vessel collected samples from the ocean floor.
  • All vessels must adhere to maritime regulations.
boat

Use 'boat' for smaller watercraft, typically used for personal, leisure, or small-scale transport purposes.

  • They went fishing in their small boat.
  • We took a boat trip around the lake.
craft

Use 'craft' when referring to any sort of vehicle used for transportation on water or in the air, often with an emphasis on the design and construction.

  • The coast guard inspected the sailing craft.
  • Pilots must familiarize themselves with the controls of their craft.

Examples of usage

  • The ship sailed across the ocean.
  • The cruise ship was luxurious and spacious.
Context #2 | Verb

to send

To send (goods or people) by a ship.

Synonyms

dispatch, send, transport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ship

Best used in a commercial or logistical context, especially when referring to the transportation of goods by sea or other large-scale methods.

  • The company decided to ship the products overseas
  • The cargo was shipped via a large freighter
transport

Used when referring to the movement of goods or people from one location to another, often involving different modes of transportation.

  • The company transports goods using rail and road networks
  • They needed a truck to transport the furniture
send

A general term that can be used in everyday situations for conveying items, information, or messages.

  • Please send me the document by email
  • He sent a letter to his friend
dispatch

Commonly used in professional or emergency settings, indicating the quick sending out of personnel, goods, or services.

  • They dispatched the ambulance immediately after receiving the call
  • The warehouse dispatches orders every morning

Examples of usage

  • The company ships products to customers worldwide.
  • They ship the cargo using large freighters.
Context #3 | Noun

in a romantic relationship

A romantic relationship between two characters in a TV show, movie, or book.

Synonyms

pairing, relationship, romance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ship

As previously noted, this term is repeated; refer to the first entry for its usage and examples.
romance

Specifically refers to a love affair or the feelings and actions related to romantic love. It often carries a positive and somewhat emotional tone.

  • Their romance blossomed during the summer.
  • A good romance novel can be very entertaining.
relationship

Refers to the connection or bond between two people, which can be romantic, platonic, familial, or professional. It is a general and neutral term.

  • They have been in a relationship for three years.
  • Our professional relationship is very strong.
pairing

Can be used broadly to describe two individuals or items that are matched together, often in competitive, social, or romantic contexts. It is more neutral and formal.

  • The pairing of these two teammates has been very successful.
  • Writers often create interesting pairings in their stories.

Examples of usage

  • Fans of the show were excited about the new ship between the main characters.
  • The fans ship the two characters together.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'ship'

The word 'ship' originated from the Old English word 'scip', which in turn came from the Proto-Germanic word 'skipą'. Ships have been crucial for transportation, trade, and exploration throughout history, playing a significant role in connecting civilizations and cultures. From ancient wooden vessels to modern steel behemoths, ships have evolved to meet the changing needs of society.

See also: shipbuilding, shipmate, shipment, shippable, shipper, shippers, shipping, ships, shipwrecked.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,179, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.