What is ship? Pronunciation and usage in English

ship means . Learn how to pronounce and use ship through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ship

shipnoun

/ʃɪp/
Definition & pronunciation of ship

The word "ship" in English is pronounced like "ship" – with a short "i" sound, as in "sip."

Here's a breakdown:

  • sh: Pronounced like the "sh" in "shoe"
  • ip: Pronounced with a short "i" sound, as in "lip"

You can hear it pronounced correctly here: https://www.merriam-Webster.com/audio/pronunciation/ship

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Usage and examples with the word ship in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ship" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Transportation (Most Common Usage)

  • As a vessel: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a boat, ship, or other watercraft.
    • "We're taking a cruise ship to the Caribbean."
    • "The cargo ship carried thousands of containers."
    • "The ship docked at the harbor."

2. Delivery & Logistics

  • To send something: “Ship” means to send something, usually a package or product, to a customer.
    • "I need to ship this order tomorrow."
    • "They ship internationally."
    • "The company ships products via FedEx."
  • Shipping (noun): The process of sending something, or the documents related to it.
    • "The shipping costs were surprisingly high."
    • "I received my shipping confirmation email."

3. “Ship” as a Verb (To Send)

  • This is closely related to the logistics meaning above.
    • "I'm going to ship my books online."
    • "Please ship the item as soon as possible!"

4. “Ship” as a Verb (To Complete/Deliver a Task – More Informal)

  • To finish or complete something, especially a difficult task. This is a more modern and slightly informal usage.
    • "I finally shipped that project in!" (Meaning: I finished the project.)
    • "She shipped that presentation last week." (Finished preparing it)
    • "I shipped that deadline." (Met it)

5. “Ship” as a Noun (Referring to a group of soldiers or sailors)

  • Historically, "ship" referred to a company of soldiers or sailors under a single commander. It’s now rarely used this way.
    • "The captain commanded his ship of 100 men." (An older usage)

6. “Ship” as a Noun (in Nautical Terms – More Technical)

  • The hull of a ship: This is a more technical nautical term and less commonly used in everyday conversation.
    • "The ship’s hull was damaged in the storm."

7. "Ship" as a Slang Term (Specifically in LGBTQ+ Community - Increasingly Common)

  • To ask someone out on a date. This is a relatively recent slang usage, primarily within LGBTQ+ circles.
    • "He shipped her!" (Meaning: He asked her out)
    • "She shipped him back!" (Meaning: She accepted his date)

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Part of Speech Example
Watercraft Noun The cruise ship was enormous.
Sending/Delivering Verb/Noun I need to ship the package.
Finishing Verb I finally shipped that project in!
Military unit Noun The captain commanded his ship.
Hull Noun The ship’s hull needed repair.
Asking someone out Slang (LGBTQ+) He shipped her!

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you trying to use "ship" in? (e.g., talking about a cruise, sending a package, finishing a task, etc.)

Synonyms for the word ship

Idioms of the word ship

(like rats) deserting/leaving a sinking ship
(humorous, disapproving)used to talk about people who leave an organization, a company, etc. that is having difficulties, without caring about the people who are left
    jump ship
    to leave the ship on which you are serving, without permission
      to leave an organization that you belong to, suddenly and unexpectedly
        run a tight ship
        to organize something in a very efficient way, controlling other people very closely
          spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth/ha’pennyworth of tar
          (saying)to cause something good to fail because you did not spend a small but necessary amount of money or time on a small but essential part of it

            Practice with vocabulary ship

            Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

            1. The company decided to _____ all its newly manufactured electronics directly to distribution centers overseas.
            2. A massive container _____ arrived at the port, carrying goods from various Asian manufacturers.
            3. The express courier service guarantees to _____ packages within 24 hours for local deliveries.
            4. During the storm, several fishing _____ had to return to harbor for safety.

            Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (multiple correct answers may apply)

            1. Which of the following terms can be used to describe a large vessel designed for ocean travel, especially for carrying cargo or passengers? a) dinghy b) freighter c) trawler d) ship e) canoe

            2. If a company needs to move products from its warehouse to an international client, which actions might it take? a) receive b) ship c) dispatch d) inventory e) transport

            3. In a business context, what does it mean to "ship" a product? a) to design it b) to manufacture it c) to send it out for delivery d) to store it in a warehouse e) to put it on a vessel for transport

            4. When referring to goods that are being transported, especially by sea or air, what are they often called? a) luggage b) cargo c) baggage d) freight e) items

            5. Which verbs are most appropriate for the act of sending something to a recipient? a) acquire b) forward c) convey d) transmit e) obtain

            Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

            1. The logistics department is responsible for sending all orders to customers. Rewrite using a form of "ship":
            2. A very large vessel, equipped with advanced navigation systems, set sail for the Antarctic expedition. Rewrite using "ship":
            3. The urgent documents were sent by air mail to ensure quick delivery. Rewrite without using "ship":

            Answer:

            Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

            1. ship
            2. ship
            3. deliver
            4. boats

            Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

            1. b) freighter, d) ship
            2. b) ship, c) dispatch, e) transport
            3. c) to send it out for delivery, e) to put it on a vessel for transport
            4. b) cargo, d) freight
            5. b) forward, c) convey, d) transmit

            Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

            1. The logistics department is responsible for shipping all orders to customers.
            2. A very large ship, equipped with advanced navigation systems, set sail for the Antarctic expedition.
            3. The urgent documents were dispatched by air mail to ensure quick delivery.

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