shipping

UK: ˈʃɪpɪŋ | US: ˈʃɪpɪŋ

Definition

  1. n. the act or business of transporting goods by sea or other means

  2. n. the process of sending and delivering products to customers

  3. v. (gerund/present participle of ship) the action of transporting goods

Structure
ship <vessel or transport>ing <noun/verb suffix indicating action or process>
Etymology

The word shipping derives from the Old English scip (meaning "vessel"), which evolved into the verb ship (to transport by vessel). The suffix -ing transforms the verb into a noun denoting the action or industry associated with transport. Over time, shipping expanded beyond maritime contexts to include any method of goods delivery, reflecting globalization and technological advancements.

Examples

  1. The company specializes in international shipping of electronics.

  2. Shipping costs have risen due to fuel price increases.

  3. They offer free shipping for orders over $50.

  4. The port handles millions of tons of shipping annually.

  5. Delays in shipping affected customer satisfaction.