noun
airmail
AIR-mayl
Airmail (noun) means the system of sending mail by aircraft. Example: “Airmail cut the time it took for letters to cross the ocean.”
noun
1
The system of sending mail by aircraft.
"Airmail cut the time it took for letters to cross the ocean."
"She paid extra for airmail so the parcel would arrive sooner."
"Before email, airmail was the fastest way to reach someone abroad."
2
Mail that is carried by aircraft.
"A bundle of airmail arrived with the morning flight."
"He sorted the airmail from the rest of the post."
"The airmail was marked with a bright blue sticker."
verb
1
To send something by aircraft as mail.
"Please airmail the documents to head office today."
"The gallery airmailed the paperwork so it would arrive within the week."
"They airmailed the signed contract straight back to the client."
How to use airmail
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAirmail is post sent by aeroplane, and also the name for the system that does the sending.
When to use it
It is a plain, everyday word, though it now sounds slightly dated since most fast post travels by air as a matter of course.
Memory tip
Airmail can be a noun for the mail itself or the system, and also a verb meaning to send something by air.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
send something airmail
an airmail letter
an airmail stamp
pay for airmail
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ cut the time it took for letters to cross the ocean.
Etymology
Airmail is a straightforward English compound, formed simply by joining air and mail.
Synonyms
View more →
airpost
Rhymes for airmail
See all rhymes for airmail →Frequently asked questions
What does airmail mean?
Airmail refers to the system of carrying mail by aircraft, or to the actual mail sent that way.
How is airmail different from ordinary post?
Airmail travels by aircraft rather than by road or sea, so it usually arrives faster than standard surface post.
Can you use airmail as a verb?
Yes, to airmail something means to send it by aircraft, as in airmailing a letter or parcel abroad.
What is the meaning of airmail?
"airmail" (noun) means the system of sending mail by aircraft.
