mail carrier
HighNeutral formal
Definition
Meaning
A person employed to deliver letters and parcels.
An official responsible for the transport and delivery of postal items; sometimes refers to the institution or system as a whole.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used for the person who physically delivers mail to addresses; often part of a government or national postal service.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'postman' is the dominant term. In American English, 'mail carrier' is standard, especially in official contexts (USPS), though 'mailman' is common informally.
Connotations
US: official, professional, gender-neutral. UK: Less used; 'postman' has traditional, occupational connotations.
Frequency
Very common in the US; relatively rare in the UK in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The mail carrier delivers (letters).She works as a mail carrier.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds (USPS unofficial motto).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in HR and logistics to refer to postal service personnel.
Academic
Rare, except in sociological studies of public service occupations.
Everyday
Common in US for talking about postal deliveries.
Technical
Official job title within the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
American English
- He held a mail-carrier position for thirty years.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The mail carrier brought a package.
- Our mail carrier always waves hello from the truck.
- Becoming a mail carrier requires passing a civil service exam in the United States.
- Despite the rise of digital communication, the role of the mail carrier remains crucial for parcel delivery and civic connectivity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A mail CARRIER CARRIES the mail to your door.
Conceptual Metaphor
MESSENGER, PUBLIC SERVANT, LINK IN A CHAIN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'почтальон' in a British context—use 'postman'.
- Avoid literal translation 'почтовый носитель'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mailman' in formal writing where 'mail carrier' is preferred for neutrality.
- Using 'mail carrier' in the UK where 'postman' is expected.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most appropriate in an official USPS job advertisement?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the standard gender-neutral term used officially in the US, whereas 'mailman' is male-specific and informal.
A mail carrier typically works for a national postal service and delivers to all addresses on a set route. A courier usually works for a private company (e.g., FedEx) and delivers specific items, often with tracking and speed guarantees.
It would be understood but sounds American. In the UK, 'postman' or 'postwoman' is the natural choice in everyday language.
You must apply through the United States Postal Service (USPS), pass an exam, a background check, and complete training. It is a federal civil service position.
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