Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Shipbuilder /shĭp'-bĭlˌ-dẽr/ · Ship·build·er · IPA /ʃˈɪpbˌɪldər/ 01 n. A person whose occupation is to construct ships and other vessels; a naval architect; a shipwright. 1. A person whose occupation is to construct ships and other vessels; a naval architect; a shipwright.