souvenir sheet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “souvenir sheet” mean?
A small sheet of postage stamps issued for a commemorative purpose, often sold at a premium to collectors.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small sheet of postage stamps issued for a commemorative purpose, often sold at a premium to collectors.
A philatelic item where one or more stamps are printed on a piece of paper, usually with decorative margins or inscriptions, commemorating an event, person, or theme. It is designed as a collectible and is often not intended for postal use in its entirety.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The term is standard in international philately.
Connotations
Associated with collecting, commemoration, and sometimes investment. Can imply a higher value or special edition compared to regular stamp sheets.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but standard and common within philatelic contexts worldwide.
Grammar
How to Use “souvenir sheet” in a Sentence
The postal service issued a souvenir sheet for the anniversary.The souvenir sheet features four stamps.He added the souvenir sheet to his collection.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “souvenir sheet” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Royal Mail's latest souvenir sheet celebrates the king's coronation.
- This souvenir sheet from 1980 has considerably appreciated in value.
American English
- The Postal Service released a souvenir sheet for the Olympic Games.
- The value of an intact souvenir sheet is often higher than the sum of its individual stamps.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of auction listings, catalogue descriptions, and philatelic investment.
Academic
In historical or cultural studies of material culture and commemoration.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of conversations about stamp collecting or a visit to a post office for a special issue.
Technical
A precise term in philately describing a specific type of stamp issuance format.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “souvenir sheet”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “souvenir sheet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “souvenir sheet”
- Using 'souvenir sheet' to refer to a single stamp (it's the whole sheet).
- Confusing it with a 'first day cover' (which may include a souvenir sheet but is an envelope with a cancelation).
- Pronouncing 'souvenir' as /ˈsuːvənɪə/ instead of /ˌsuːvəˈnɪə(r)/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the stamps on a souvenir sheet are usually valid for postage if separated and used according to their face value, but the complete sheet is typically preserved by collectors.
The terms are often used interchangeably in modern philately. Historically, 'miniature sheet' might imply a smaller size, but 'souvenir sheet' emphasises its commemorative nature.
They are often sold at a premium over the face value of the stamps. Their long-term value depends on rarity, condition, demand, and the significance of the commemorated subject.
Directly from official postal services (online or at post offices), from reputable philatelic dealers, or at stamp shows and auctions.
A small sheet of postage stamps issued for a commemorative purpose, often sold at a premium to collectors.
Souvenir sheet is usually formal/specialist in register.
Souvenir sheet: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːvəˈnɪə ʃiːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsuːvəˈnɪr ʃiːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SOUVENIR you buy to remember a trip; a SOUVENIR SHEET is a philatelic keepsake to remember an event.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CANVAS FOR COMMEMORATION (the sheet is a bounded space for artistic/ thematic presentation).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a souvenir sheet?