C1noun2K

Shipping

UK /["/ˈʃɪpɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈʃɪpɪŋ/"]/

Definition

ships in general or considered as a group

In simple words: The process of sending goods from one place to another.

Examples

  • The canal is open to shipping.
  • international **shipping lanes** *(= routes for ships)*
  • Merchant shipping has become increasingly specialized.
  • No shipping entered the port that day.
  • a shipping company
  • We offer free shipping on orders over $50.
  • She arranged for the shipping of her furniture to England.
  • She married a shipping magnate in 1997.
  • Their shipping line operates mainly from the Baltic ports.
  • Shipping of the main characters is popular among fans of the show.

Usage notes

Used in business and logistics contexts. Avoid when talking about personal letters or informal messages.

Grammar pattern

shipping + object

Memory hint

Think of 'ship' sailing on water, carrying goods.

Collocations

  • shipping costs
  • shipping address
  • shipping service
  • shipping company
  • shipping time

Synonyms

  • delivery
  • transportation
  • freight
  • conveyance
  • carriage

Antonyms

  • receiving
  • importing

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'shipping' with 'shipment' — the former is the process, the latter refers to the goods being sent.
  • Using 'ship' as a noun instead of 'shipping' when discussing the process.