# shipper

/ˈʃɪpɝ/ (US) · /ʃˈɪpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shipper
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am a shipper of them" but "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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the context of 'fandom' culture on social media.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.