shipwreck
Shipwreck (noun) means a ship that has sunk or been wrecked, or its remains. Example: “Divers explored the shipwreck off the coast.”
How to use shipwreck
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sunken or destroyed ship, or by extension any total disaster.
Word forms
shipwrecked past tense, shipwrecks plural, shipwrecks singular
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
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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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