How to pronounce shipshape
Say it like SHIP-shayp. Shipshape has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHIP).
- SHIP
- shayp
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Shipshape pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHIPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- shaypGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of shipshape
American and British speakers say shipshape in essentially the same way: /ˈʃɪpˌʃeɪp/ in the US and /ˈʃɪpʃeɪp/ in the UK.
British respelling: SHIP-shayp.
What does shipshape mean?
- Meticulously neat and tidy.
- Neatly and tidily to a meticulous extent.
Where does shipshape come from?
From ship + shapen (“shaped; wrought with a definite shape”), later shortened to shape.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- tight
- handsomely
- trim
- well-kept
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying shipshape
How do you pronounce shipshape?
Say SHIP-shayp. The American pronunciation is /ˈʃɪpˌʃeɪp/. In British English it is /ˈʃɪpʃeɪp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in shipshape?
Shipshape has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHIP). Broken into parts: SHIP · shayp.
Do Americans and Brits say shipshape the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈʃɪpˌʃeɪp/ and the British form is /ˈʃɪpʃeɪp/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.