postal
POHSTL
Postal (adj) means having to do with the mail system — collecting, sorting, and delivering letters and parcels. Example: “Postal charges rise with the weight of the parcel.”
adj
1
Having to do with the mail system — collecting, sorting, and delivering letters and parcels.
"Postal charges rise with the weight of the parcel."
"You can check delivery times on the postal service's website."
"Our postal address hasn't changed even though we moved offices."
2
(informal) Extremely angry or out of control; "going postal" means having a violent outburst.
"My brother will go postal if you touch his game console."
"The manager nearly went postal when the printer jammed for the third time."
"He went postal when he saw the damage to his car."
How to use postal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to the mail system — or, informally, snapping with rage.
When to use it
The 'go postal' meaning is slang and comes from a string of 1980s-90s workplace incidents involving postal workers; use it carefully as it references real violence.
Common pairings
postal service
postal code
postal worker
go postal
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_____ charges rise with the weight of the parcel.
Etymology
From post (mail) plus -al, shaped on the same pattern as the French word postal.
Rhymes for postal
See all rhymes for postal →Frequently asked questions
What does “postal” mean?
The word “postal” means having to do with the mail system — collecting, sorting, and delivering letters and parcels. In plain terms, relating to the mail system — or, informally, snapping with rage.
How do you pronounce “postal”?
“Postal” is pronounced POHSTL ([ˈpoʊstl̩] in IPA).
How do you use “postal” in a sentence?
Here is “postal” used in a sentence: “You can check delivery times on the postal service's website.”
What part of speech is “postal”?
“Postal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “postal” come from?
The word “postal” comes from French. From post (mail) plus -al, shaped on the same pattern as the French word postal.
Is “postal” a common word?
“Postal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “postal” have?
“Postal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having to do with the mail system — collecting, sorting, and delivering letters and parcels.
What is the difference between 'postal' and 'postage'?
'Postal' is an adjective describing anything related to the mail system, such as postal workers or postal services. 'Postage' is a noun referring specifically to the cost of sending mail, usually paid through stamps.
What is the difference between a postal code and a zip code?
Both identify a delivery area used to sort and route mail, but the terms differ by country. 'Postal code' is the general and British term, while 'zip code' is the specific name used in the United States.
What is the difference between 'postal' and 'mail'?
'Postal' is usually an adjective describing the mail system, as in the postal service. 'Mail' can be a noun for the letters and parcels themselves or a verb meaning to send them, so 'postal' describes the system while 'mail' is often the thing being sent.
