airmail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “airmail” mean?
A system for sending letters and parcels by aircraft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system for sending letters and parcels by aircraft.
The service of transporting mail by air; the mail sent via this system; to send something by this service.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The verb form ('to airmail') is slightly more common in American English. The compound noun is solid (airmail) in both, not hyphenated.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with speed and international communication. Slightly old-fashioned in everyday contexts due to email, but remains standard in postal services.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly higher in American English in business/logistics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “airmail” in a Sentence
airmail something to somebodyairmail somebody somethingsend something by airmailVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airmail” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you airmail these documents to our London office?
- We airmailed the parcel last Tuesday.
American English
- I need to airmail this package to Japan.
- They airmailed us the replacement parts.
adverb
British English
- It was sent airmail.
- The reply came airmail, so it was quick.
American English
- You should ship it airmail if it's urgent.
- Correspondence was conducted airmail.
adjective
British English
- Use an airmail envelope for international replies.
- The airmail service has been delayed.
American English
- What's the airmail rate for a letter to Europe?
- He collects vintage airmail stamps.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in logistics, shipping, and international correspondence. 'Please return the signed contract by airmail.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or geographical contexts discussing transport systems.
Everyday
Used when posting items abroad. 'I'll airmail the birthday card to Australia.'
Technical
Used in philately (stamp collecting) and postal service operations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “airmail”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “airmail”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airmail”
- Using 'by the airmail' (incorrect article). Correct: 'send it by airmail'.
- Confusing 'airmail' (postal system) with 'air freight' (commercial cargo).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but its everyday use has declined due to email. It remains a standard term in postal services, logistics, and for sending physical items internationally.
Yes. For example: 'I will airmail the package tomorrow.' It follows regular verb conjugation.
'Airmail' specifically refers to letters and parcels handled by postal services. 'Air freight' refers to the commercial transportation of goods and cargo by aircraft, typically in larger quantities.
No. Both varieties spell it as one word: 'airmail'.
A system for sending letters and parcels by aircraft.
Airmail is usually neutral in register.
Airmail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə.meɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer.meɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “By airmail, it'll get there tomorrow.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of AIR + MAIL. Mail that travels through the AIR.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS AIR (contrasted with SLOWNESS IS GROUND/WATER).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical use of 'airmail'?