postman
B1Neutral, everyday
Definition
Meaning
A person whose job is to collect and deliver letters and parcels.
A person employed by a postal service to deliver mail on a specific route; in modern contexts, the role involves logistical delivery and customer service, with the term often used regardless of gender (though 'postal worker' or 'mail carrier' are more inclusive alternatives).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the delivery role within a national postal system. While once strongly gendered, contemporary usage increasingly accepts it as a neutral occupational title, though alternatives exist. Carries connotations of reliability and routine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'postman' is the standard term. In American English, 'mailman' or 'mail carrier' is more common, with 'postman' being understood but less frequent and sometimes perceived as slightly formal or old-fashioned.
Connotations
UK: Familiar, everyday, associated with Royal Mail. US: Can sound quaint or British; 'mailman' is more neutral and contemporary.
Frequency
Very high frequency in UK English; medium-to-low frequency in US English, where 'mail carrier' (official/formal) and 'mailman' (informal) dominate.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The postman delivers [something] to [someone/place].[Someone] gave [something] to the postman.The postman is [adjective].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Don't shoot the messenger" (related concept, not specific to postman)”
- “"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night..." (postal service motto, US)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare except in logistics or customer service contexts discussing delivery reliability.
Academic
Very rare; used only in historical, sociological, or labour studies contexts.
Everyday
Very common in the UK; common in the US among older generations or in specific contexts.
Technical
Used in postal service logistics and HR documentation, though 'operative' or 'delivery officer' may be official titles.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He used to postman for Royal Mail before retiring.
- (Note: 'to postman' as a verb is non-standard and archaic.)
American English
- (Not used as a verb in AmE.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- He wore his postman blue uniform with pride.
- (Note: 'postman' as adjective is non-standard; 'postal' is correct.)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective in AmE; use 'postal'.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The postman brings letters every morning.
- I saw the postman on his bicycle.
- Our regular postman always says hello.
- The postman delivered a parcel while I was out.
- The postman's round has been extended due to new housing developments.
- She left a note for the postman asking him to leave packages with the neighbour.
- The figure of the postman has evolved from a simple courier to a key logistical node in national infrastructure.
- Amid the decline of physical mail, the postman's role has shifted towards parcel delivery and community contact for the isolated.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
POST + MAN: The MAN who brings the POST.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE POSTMAN AS A LINK: Connecting people and places; a conduit for communication. THE POSTMAN AS CLOCKWORK: Symbol of daily routine and reliability.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation 'почтальон' is accurate, but Russian speakers might overuse 'postman' in US contexts where 'mailman' is more natural.
- Avoid using 'poster' or 'postmen' as plural for the occupation – it's 'postmen'.
- Don't confuse with 'postmaster' (начальник почтового отделения).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'postman' for private couriers (e.g., DHL driver).
- Using 'postman' as a gender-specific term when referring to a woman (though 'postwoman' exists, 'postal worker' is safer).
- Spelling: 'postman' is one word, not 'post man'.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is MOST commonly used for this occupation in the United States today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'postwoman' is used, especially in the UK, but 'postal worker' or 'mail carrier' are common gender-neutral alternatives.
The plural is 'postmen'.
Yes, you will be understood, but 'mailman' (informal) or 'mail carrier' (formal/neutral) are more commonly used and sound more natural to American ears.
A 'postman' is typically an employee of a national or public postal service (e.g., Royal Mail, USPS) with a fixed round. A 'courier' usually works for a private company (e.g., DHL, FedEx) and often delivers packages, sometimes with more urgency and tracking.
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