How Do You Spell SHIPFUL?

1. Shipful is a noun that refers to a specific amount or quantity of cargo or merchandise that can be transported by a ship. It is derived from the combination of the noun "ship" and the suffix "-ful" used to indicate a full or abundant amount.

   As a word primarily used in the context of goods and transportation, shipful conveys the idea of a substantial load that a vessel is capable of carrying. It implies the capacity or capability of a ship to transport a significant amount of goods, often in large quantities. For instance, a shipful of timber would signify the amount of timber that a ship can hold at its maximum capacity.

   The term shipful is also occasionally employed metaphorically to represent a large or overwhelming amount of something beyond the realm of maritime transport. In this broader sense, it suggests an abundance or excess of a particular object or concept. For example, one might use the phrase "a shipful of responsibilities" to describe an overwhelming amount of tasks or obligations that one has to handle.

   In summary, shipful is a noun that signifies a considerable amount or quantity of cargo, goods, or other items that can be transported by a ship. It further carries a metaphorical connotation of abundance or excess in certain contexts.

2. Enough to fill a ship.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SHIPFUL

The word "shipful" is derived from the combination of the noun "ship" and the suffix "-ful".

The noun "ship" originates from the Old English word "sceap", which referred to a vessel or a boat used for transportation on water. It can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word *skapaz and the Proto-Indo-European *skep-, both meaning "cut" or "hollow out".

The suffix "-ful" comes from the Old English "-ful" or "-full", which denotes the meaning of "full of" or "characterized by". It can be associated with the Proto-Germanic *fullaz and the Proto-Indo-European *pl̥h₁nós.

When combined, "shipful" forms a compound noun that describes a quantity or amount equivalent to that which can be contained in a ship or boat.