general delivery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Official
Quick answer
What does “general delivery” mean?
A postal service where mail is held at a post office for collection by the addressee, rather than being delivered to a specific address.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A postal service where mail is held at a post office for collection by the addressee, rather than being delivered to a specific address.
A method of receiving mail without a fixed address, often used by travelers, homeless individuals, or those in transitional living situations; can also metaphorically refer to any system where items are held for pickup by an unspecified recipient.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'general delivery' is standard in American English. In British English, the equivalent service is called 'poste restante'.
Connotations
In the US, it carries neutral, practical connotations related to postal logistics. In the UK, 'poste restante' may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Much more common in American English. In the UK, 'poste restante' is the standard term found in postal documentation and public information.
Grammar
How to Use “general delivery” in a Sentence
Address [something] to [someone] c/o General Delivery, [City, State, ZIP]Hold [something] for [someone] at General DeliveryCollect [something] from General DeliveryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “general delivery” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The poste restante service is convenient for backpackers.
- She provided a poste restante address in London.
American English
- The general delivery window is at the back of the post office.
- He used a general delivery address for the parcel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in logistics for sending documents to employees in remote field locations without a local office.
Academic
Virtually never used. Not a subject of academic study outside of historical or sociological looks at communication systems.
Everyday
Used by individuals without a permanent address, long-distance travelers, or those receiving sensitive mail discreetly.
Technical
A specific term within postal and logistics terminology, defining a particular service class.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “general delivery”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “general delivery”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “general delivery”
- Using 'general delivery' to mean standard postal service or bulk shipping. Confusing it with 'P.O. Box' (which is rented). Writing 'GeneralDelivery' as one word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A P.O. Box is a rented, numbered box at a post office. General delivery is a service where mail is held at the counter for an individual to collect, usually for a limited time and without a rental fee.
Holding periods vary by country and post office, typically ranging from 10 to 30 days. After this period, mail is usually returned to the sender.
Yes, you must present valid government-issued photo identification that matches the name on the mail piece.
Yes, most postal services allow parcels to be sent via general delivery, but there may be size or weight restrictions, and items are typically held for a shorter period than letters.
A postal service where mail is held at a post office for collection by the addressee, rather than being delivered to a specific address.
General delivery is usually formal / official in register.
General delivery: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒen.ər.əl dɪˈlɪv.ər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒen.ər.əl dɪˈlɪv.ɚ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Living out of a general delivery box (metaphorical for a transient lifestyle)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GENERAL' because it's for the general public at a post office, not a SPECIFIC address. DELIVERY is held, not delivered.
Conceptual Metaphor
MAIL IS A STORED OBJECT; THE POST OFFICE IS A STORAGE LOCKER FOR PEOPLE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of 'general delivery'?