ship's papers

plural noun

: the papers a ship is legally required to carry for due inspection to show the character of the ship and cargo

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ship's papers was in 1830

Rhymes for ship's papers

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Browse Nearby Words

ship's option
ship's papers
ship's passport
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Cite this Entry

“Ship's papers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ship%27s%20papers. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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