priority mail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “priority mail” mean?
A service offered by postal services for faster delivery than standard mail, typically at an additional cost.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A service offered by postal services for faster delivery than standard mail, typically at an additional cost.
A trademarked class of mail service within the United States Postal Service (USPS) for expedited delivery. The term can be used more generically to refer to any postal or courier service tier that prioritizes faster handling and delivery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is less common as a standard postal label. The British equivalent service from Royal Mail is typically called '1st Class' or 'Special Delivery' for guaranteed services. In the US, 'Priority Mail' is a specific, widely recognised service tier of the USPS.
Connotations
In the US: a standard, reliable, mid-tier expedited service. In the UK: may be understood but sounds like an Americanism or a generic description rather than a branded service.
Frequency
High frequency in American English, particularly in business and e-commerce contexts. Low frequency in British English outside of discussions involving US services.
Grammar
How to Use “priority mail” in a Sentence
send something by priority mailship via Priority Mailchoose Priority Mail for XVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “priority mail” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A priority-mail service is available at the counter.
- The priority-mail option was more expensive.
American English
- The Priority Mail flat-rate box is a popular choice.
- She selected the Priority Mail option at checkout.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"All international orders are shipped via Priority Mail International."
Academic
"The survey documents were dispatched using Priority Mail to ensure timely receipt by participants."
Everyday
"I'll send you the birthday card by priority mail so it gets there on time."
Technical
"The service metrics for Priority Mail show a 95% on-time delivery rate within two business days."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “priority mail”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “priority mail”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “priority mail”
- Using 'priority mail' as a verb (e.g., 'I will priority mail it'). Correct: 'I will send it by priority mail.'
- Capitalisation inconsistency when referring to the USPS service.
- Assuming it is an overnight service (it typically is 1-3 business days).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in the USPS system, Priority Mail is generally a 1-3 business day service, while Express Mail (or Priority Mail Express) is a faster, often overnight, guaranteed service.
It is not standard. Use 'send by priority mail' or 'ship via Priority Mail' instead.
For USPS Priority Mail in the United States, tracking is typically included. This may not be true for 'priority' services in other countries.
Priority Mail is for heavier packages and expedited delivery (1-3 days). First-Class Mail is for lightweight letters and small parcels with a slower standard delivery time.
A service offered by postal services for faster delivery than standard mail, typically at an additional cost.
Priority mail is usually formal to neutral in register.
Priority mail: in British English it is pronounced /praɪˈɒr.ə.ti meɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /praɪˈɔːr.ə.t̬i meɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think PRIORITY: POST Rapidly, It Overtakes Regular, Inexpensive Transport (Yours).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE (you pay more of a monetary resource to save time).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is 'Priority Mail' a specific, branded postal service?