shipwreck
SHIHP-rehk
Shipwreck (noun) means a ship that has sunk or been wrecked, or its remains. Example: “Divers explored the shipwreck off the coast.”
noun
1
A ship that has sunk or been wrecked, or its remains.
"Divers explored the shipwreck off the coast."
2
Total disaster or ruin.
"The scandal was a shipwreck for his career."
verb
1
To destroy a ship through collision, grounding, or storm.
"The crew was shipwrecked on a remote island."
How to use shipwreck
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sunken or destroyed ship, or by extension any total disaster.
Common pairings
sunken shipwreck
shipwreck survivor
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Word forms
- Plural
- shipwrecks
- Third person singular
- shipwrecks
- Past tense
- shipwrecked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Divers explored the _____ off the coast.
Etymology
From Old English sċipwræc, "jetsam" — a compound of ship and wrack, later reshaped under the influence of the word wreck.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “shipwreck” mean?
The word “shipwreck” means a ship that has sunk or been wrecked, or its remains. In plain terms, a sunken or destroyed ship, or by extension any total disaster.
How do you pronounce “shipwreck”?
“Shipwreck” is pronounced SHIHP-rehk (/ˈʃɪpɹɛk/ in IPA).
How do you use “shipwreck” in a sentence?
Here is “shipwreck” used in a sentence: “Divers explored the shipwreck off the coast.”
What part of speech is “shipwreck”?
Depending on how it is used, “shipwreck” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shipwreck” come from?
The word “shipwreck” comes from Old English. From Old English sċipwræc, "jetsam" — a compound of ship and wrack, later reshaped under the influence of the word wreck.
Is “shipwreck” a common word?
“Shipwreck” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “shipwreck” have?
“Shipwreck” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a ship that has sunk or been wrecked, or its remains.
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