Ships Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⛴️
Add to dictionary

ships

[ʃɪps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sea travel

Large seagoing vessel, typically with multiple decks and masts, used for transporting goods or passengers.

Synonyms

boat, craft, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vessel

A formal term for any type of watercraft used for transportation. Can refer to both boats and ships, often used in legal, technical, or official contexts.

  • The vessel was inspected for safety compliance.
  • Fishing vessels were anchored near the shore.
boat

A small or medium-sized vessel, typically used for short distances or leisure activities. Commonly used on rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

  • We rented a boat to go fishing on the lake.
  • They took a rowboat down the river.
craft

A general term that can refer to any type of vessel, including boats and ships. Often used in a more technical or formal context, sometimes referring to specialized or smaller vessels.

  • The naval craft were deployed for the operation.
  • The harbor was filled with various types of craft.

Examples of usage

  • Many ships were lost at sea during the storm.
  • The cargo ship carried goods from one country to another.
Context #2 | Verb

sending out

To send (goods, vehicles, or people) to a place, especially by water.

Synonyms

dispatch, send, transport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ships

Use when referring to sending goods or products typically via sea or other large-scale modes of transport. Common in logistics and e-commerce.

  • The company ships its products internationally
  • The order ships within 24 hours
send

A general term for causing something to go or be taken somewhere, applicable to messages, goods, or people. Versatile and everyday use.

  • Please send me the report by email
  • She decided to send a gift to her friend
transport

Referenced when talking about moving goods, people, or animals from one place to another, often by vehicles. Common in logistics, travel, and transit.

  • We need to find a way to transport these materials to the factory
  • Public transport is essential in big cities
dispatch

Used for the formal sending out of goods or personnel, often implying efficiency and urgency. Common in business, logistics, and emergency services.

  • The warehouse will dispatch the goods tomorrow
  • The fire department was quick to dispatch three fire trucks to the scene

Examples of usage

  • They ship products all over the world.
  • We will ship the car to your address.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The earliest ships date back to around 4000 BC, when ancient Egyptians crafted wooden boats to navigate the Nile River.
  • During the Age of Exploration, ships like the Caravel allowed explorers to travel further and discover new lands.
  • The term 'ship' has Old English roots, coming from 'scipe,' which means 'shape or condition,' referring to the vessel's structure.

Science and Technology

  • Modern ships are designed using advanced materials like fiberglass and steel, enhancing durability and performance.
  • GPS technology helps sailors determine their exact location at sea, improving navigation safety.
  • Nuclear-powered submarines, a type of ship, can stay underwater for extended periods without surfacing.

Culture and Society

  • Maritime festivals celebrate ships and seafaring cultures, featuring parades and shipbuilding demonstrations.
  • Songs like 'Sailing' by Rod Stewart capture the romance and adventure of life at sea.
  • Art often portrays ships as symbols of exploration and freedom, reflecting humanity's connection to the oceans.

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature ships as central elements, like 'Moby-Dick,' which tells the story of Captain Ahab's obsession with a giant whale.
  • The symbolism of ships often represents journeys, both literal and metaphorical, in literature and poetry.
  • Children’s stories like 'The Little Mermaid' often involve magical journeys across the sea in enchanted ships.

Environment

  • Certain ships, like eco-friendly ferries, are designed to reduce pollution and preserve marine ecosystems.
  • Shipwrecks can become artificial reefs, fostering marine life and enhancing biodiversity in ocean habitats.
  • Cleaning initiatives often focus on ship-related pollution, as oil spills and waste can severely impact ocean health.

Origin of 'ships'

The word 'ships' originated from the Old English word 'scip', which meant a large seagoing vessel. Throughout history, ships have played a crucial role in exploration, trade, and warfare. From ancient wooden sailing ships to modern steel vessels, ships have evolved significantly. Today, ships continue to be essential for transporting goods across the oceans and connecting different parts of the world.


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

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,775, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.