air express: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal / business
Quick answer
What does “air express” mean?
A premium postal or courier service for the rapid transport of letters, documents, or small parcels by air.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A premium postal or courier service for the rapid transport of letters, documents, or small parcels by air.
A company or division of a company that specialises in this service; or the act of sending something via this service.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is largely identical. 'Air express' as a generic term is common in both. Specific brand names (e.g., FedEx Express, DHL Express) dominate the market.
Connotations
Both imply speed, reliability, and premium pricing.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American business English, but well-established in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “air express” in a Sentence
We sent [the documents] via air express.The contract was [air-expressed] to New York.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “air express” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to air-express the samples to the lab in Glasgow.
- The spare part was air-expressed from the German warehouse.
American English
- We'll air-express the signed copies to our Chicago office.
- They air-expressed the prototype overnight.
adverb
British English
- The documents were sent air express.
- It's coming air express, so it should arrive tomorrow.
American English
- Ship it air express for guaranteed noon delivery.
- We forwarded the application air express.
adjective
British English
- Please quote me for your air express service.
- We received an air express parcel this morning.
American English
- What are your air express rates to Toronto?
- The package came via air express mail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for time-sensitive contracts, samples, or legal documents.
Academic
Rare; used for sending urgent research materials or visa documents.
Everyday
Used when discussing sending important items (e.g., passports, gifts) quickly.
Technical
In logistics, refers to a specific service tier within air freight.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “air express”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “air express”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “air express”
- Using 'air express' as a verb without hyphenation ('I'll air express it' is informal; prefer 'send by air express').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Often, yes, especially for domestic services. Internationally, 'air express' guarantees speed but not necessarily overnight delivery due to time zones and customs.
Yes, in business contexts (e.g., 'We'll air-express it'). In more formal writing, 'send by air express' is preferred.
'Air express' explicitly specifies air transport for the fastest leg. A 'courier' might use ground or air transport; 'air express' implies the fastest air-based option.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used, though specific brand names like 'DHL Express' or 'Special Delivery by air' are also common.
A premium postal or courier service for the rapid transport of letters, documents, or small parcels by air.
Air express is usually formal / business in register.
Air express: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə(r) ɪkˌspres/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer ɪkˌspres/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To put something on the air express (to send it urgently).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'AIR' for speed through the sky and 'EXPRESS' for fast, non-stop service.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A VALUABLE COMMODITY (paying a premium to 'buy' time).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of using 'air express' over 'standard airmail'?