A term used to describe fan fictions that take previously created characters and put them as a pair. It usually refers to romantic relationships, but it can refer platonic ones as well. (Just think of "shipping" as short for "relationSHIP".)

In fanfic, putting characters into a romantic relationship, such as writing Ash + Misty from Pokemon as a couple. Often plays on perceived chemistry between characters in the original series. Abbreviated form of the word relationshipping.

Also, can be made from inanimate objects. Almost anything can be "shipped".