shipping

noun

ship·​ping ˈshi-piŋ How to pronounce shipping (audio)
1
a
: passage on a ship
b
: ships
c
: the body of ships in one place or belonging to one port or country
2
: the act or business of one that ships

Examples of shipping in a Sentence

The fruit was ready for shipping. They protected our shipping from submarines during wartime.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bean Point’s unusual position at the meeting place of two large water bodies, as well as its proximity to a deep shipping channel several miles offshore, are both thought to contribute to dangerous currents in the area. Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025 However, the park also includes historic Fort Jefferson, which protected important shipping lanes in the Gulf in the 1800s. Teaghan Skulszki, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025 Order it today and place it on your mantel tomorrow thanks to Amazon Prime’s fast and free shipping. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025 With Amazon nixing its program that allowed members to share free shipping benefits, some customers may be wondering what steps to take next. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shipping

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shipping was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Shipping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shipping. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

shipping

noun
ship·​ping
ˈship-iŋ
1
: the body of ships in one place or belonging to one port or country
2
: the act or business of one that ships goods
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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