address
uh-DREHS
Address (noun) means the details of where a building or property is located, used for mail or navigation. Example: “The address on the envelope was smudged, so the postman could not read it.”
noun
1
The details of where a building or property is located, used for mail or navigation.
"The address on the envelope was smudged, so the postman could not read it."
"Please write your home address on the form."
"Can you give me your new address?"
2
A formal speech given to an audience.
"The headteacher's closing address left the graduates feeling hopeful."
"He prepared a short address to welcome the guests to the wedding."
"The president gave a televised address to the nation."
3
(computing) A code identifying a specific location in memory or on a network.
"The program stores each value at a different address in memory."
"Type the web address into the bar at the top of the browser."
"Every device on the network has its own IP address."
verb
1
To speak directly to a person or group.
"The teacher addressed the class and asked everyone to sit down quietly."
"The CEO addressed the whole company at the meeting."
"She addressed her remarks to the younger members of the audience."
2
To deal with or attempt to solve an issue.
"The council promised to address the problem of litter in the park."
"The new policy addresses concerns about data privacy."
"We need to address the budget shortfall before next quarter."
3
To write the destination details on an envelope or package.
"I addressed the birthday card to my grandmother in careful handwriting."
"She addressed each invitation by hand before taking them to the post box."
"Make sure the parcel is addressed correctly before you post it."
How to use address
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhere something is located (a postal or network address), a formal speech, or the act of speaking to someone or dealing with a problem.
Common pairings
home address
address the issue
deliver an address
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Word forms
- Plural
- addresses
- Third person singular
- addresses
- Past tense
- addressed, addrest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ on the envelope was smudged, so the postman could not read it.
Etymology
From Old French adrecier, "to straighten, to direct," from Latin dirigere, "to guide" — the same root that gives us "direct."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for address
See all rhymes for address →Frequently asked questions
What does “address” mean?
The word “address” means the details of where a building or property is located, used for mail or navigation. In plain terms, where something is located (a postal or network address), a formal speech, or the act of speaking to someone or dealing with a problem.
How do you pronounce “address”?
“Address” is pronounced uh-DREHS (/əˈdɹɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “address” in a sentence?
Here is “address” used in a sentence: “Please write your home address on the form.”
What part of speech is “address”?
Depending on how it is used, “address” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “address” come from?
The word “address” comes from Latin. From Old French adrecier, "to straighten, to direct," from Latin dirigere, "to guide" — the same root that gives us "direct.".
Is “address” a common word?
“Address” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “address” have?
“Address” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the details of where a building or property is located, used for mail or navigation.
What is included in an address?
A typical address includes the building or house number, street name, town or city, postal or ZIP code, and often the country. Some also add an apartment or unit number, or a business name. Together these details pinpoint exactly where a property is for mail delivery or navigation.
What is the difference between a physical address and a postal address?
A physical address is the actual location of a building where someone lives or works. A postal or mailing address is where mail is delivered, which is usually the same but can differ, such as a PO box. Most addresses serve both purposes, but not always.
What is an example of an address?
A full address might read "10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA, United Kingdom." It combines a house number, street, city, and postcode to identify one specific property. American addresses follow a similar pattern with a ZIP code, such as "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20500."
What is a postcode or ZIP code in an address?
A postcode (UK) or ZIP code (US) is the string of letters or numbers that identifies a small delivery area within an address. It helps postal services sort and route mail quickly and lets navigation systems locate a property precisely. It is one of the most useful parts of a modern address.
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