postage stamp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “postage stamp” mean?
A small adhesive label issued by a postal authority, attached to mail to indicate that postage has been paid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small adhesive label issued by a postal authority, attached to mail to indicate that postage has been paid.
A tiny piece of paper representing proof of payment for postal service; also used metaphorically to describe something very small.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; 'stamp' is commonly used in both varieties. 'Postage stamp' is the full formal term.
Connotations
In both, primarily associated with mail systems; can have nostalgic or philatelic connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “postage stamp” in a Sentence
[N] needs [DET] postage stampPut [DET] postage stamp on [N][DET] postage stamp costs [AMOUNT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “postage stamp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To postage stamp the parcel, you need to go to the post office.
American English
- You'll need to stamp the envelope with proper postage.
adjective
British English
- The postage-stamp-sized garden was still lovely.
American English
- She bought a postage-stamp quilt pattern.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in postal logistics, billing, and office administration.
Academic
Appears in historical studies of communication, philately research, and economic history.
Everyday
Common in conversations about mailing letters, paying bills, or collecting stamps.
Technical
Used in philately (stamp collecting) with specific terminology like 'perforation', 'watermark', 'face value'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “postage stamp”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “postage stamp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “postage stamp”
- Using 'post stamp' (incorrect)
- Saying 'postage stamps' for the plural of the fee amount (should be 'postage')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday conversation about mail, 'stamp' is usually sufficient. 'Postage stamp' is the full, more formal term.
No, a postage stamp must be valid (not cancelled/used) and its face value must cover the current cost of postage for your item.
A postage stamp is for mailing. A trading stamp (like Green Shield stamps) was a type of loyalty reward given by shops, now largely obsolete.
Rare stamps, especially those with printing errors, from limited editions, or from certain historical periods, are valuable to collectors (philatelists).
A small adhesive label issued by a postal authority, attached to mail to indicate that postage has been paid.
Postage stamp is usually neutral in register.
Postage stamp: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpəʊstɪdʒ ˌstæmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpoʊstɪdʒ ˌstæmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a lost postage stamp (very small and easy to overlook)”
- “Worth a postage stamp (of little value)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: POSTAGE = payment for POST, STAMP = you STAMP it on an envelope.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALLNESS IS A POSTAGE STAMP (e.g., 'His apartment is the size of a postage stamp').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a postage stamp?