Word
shipper
Phoneticsship·per, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃɪpɝ/
UK/ʃˈɪpɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a fan who wants two characters in a story to be in a romantic relationship. You use this when you are talking about books, movies, or TV shows.
n. a person who supports or advocates for a romantic relationship between two fictional characters or real-life celebrities. Informal in register; derived from the word 'relationship'.
Examples
“Many shippers want the two lead actors to date in real life.”
“The show's writers often tease shippers by putting the two rival characters in tense, emotional scenes together.”
“Online communities often divide into factions of rival shippers, each producing fan art and fiction to justify why their preferred pairing is the most narratively satisfying.”
Examples
simple
“Many shippers want the two lead actors to date in real life.”
contextual
“The show's writers often tease shippers by putting the two rival characters in tense, emotional scenes together.”
complex
“Online communities often divide into factions of rival shippers, each producing fan art and fiction to justify why their preferred pairing is the most narratively satisfying.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of 'fandom' culture on social media.
Pitfall
I am a shipper of them
I ship them
While 'shipper' is the noun for the person, the action is usually expressed by the verb 'ship' followed directly by the couple.
Real-World Examples
“That leads to higher transit costs for shippers of all kinds of products and slower deliveries.” Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/shipper