Shipping is a term used to describe the desire by followers of a fandom for two or more people, either real-life people or fictional characters, to be in a romantic or sexual relationship). The term originated in the world of fandoms, which are groups of hardcore fans of movies, books, and television shows. The word "ship" is a shortening of "relationship" and its derivatives in this context have since come to be in widespread usage). To "ship" a couple means to have an affinity for it in one way or another). Shipping often takes the form of unofficial creative works, including fanfiction and fan art).
Shipping can refer to romantic or sexual relationships, but it can also refer to non-sexual relationships such as platonic or familial relationships. However, using the term "ship" on its own usually implies a romantic or sexual relationship. People can ship characters along all sorts of axes, such as queerplatonic partners, found family, friends with benefits, or in the conventional romantic fashion.
In summary, shipping refers to the desire for two or more people to be in a romantic or sexual relationship, and it is a term that originated in the world of fandoms. While it can refer to non-sexual relationships, it usually implies a romantic or sexual relationship.
