plural ships
1
: a large boat used for traveling long distances over the sea
a sailing/cruise/merchant ship
the captain of the ship
He will travel by ship.
2
: a large airplane or spacecraft
ships; shipped; shipping
1
a
: to send (something) to a customer
The goods were shipped from a foreign port.
We shipped the items to you last week. = We shipped you the items last week.
Your order is expected to ship soon.
b
: to send (a new product) to stores so that it can be bought by customers
The company will ship its new software next month.
The software will ship next month.
2
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to send (someone) to a place that is usually far away
The soldiers were shipped overseas for duty.
Her parents are shipping her (off) to boarding school.
3
of a ship or boat
: to take in (water) over the side
When the waves increased, the boat began shipping water.
ˌʃɪp
1
: the state or condition of being something
friendship
apprenticeship
2
: the position, status, or duties of something
professorship
3
: skill or ability as someone or something
horsemanship
penmanship
Cite this Entry
“Ship.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ship. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.
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