webmail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral
Quick answer
What does “webmail” mean?
An email service accessed through a web browser.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An email service accessed through a web browser.
A client-server system for sending, receiving, and storing email where the user interface is a website, as opposed to a standalone desktop application.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling variations follow standard conventions (e.g., webmail programme vs. webmail program) but the compound noun is identical.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Primarily a functional, descriptive term.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, given the universal nature of the technology.
Grammar
How to Use “webmail” in a Sentence
use [webmail] to [do something]access [webmail] on [device]log in to [webmail][someone's] [webmail] accountVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company provides secure webmail for all its employees to access from any location.
Academic
The study examined user preferences between dedicated clients and webmail for daily communication.
Everyday
I usually just check my webmail on my phone's browser.
Technical
The new update implements OAuth 2.0 authentication for the university's webmail system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “webmail”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “webmail”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “webmail”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I'll webmail you' is non-standard). Treating it as uncountable when referring to accounts (e.g., 'I have two webmails' – better: 'I have two webmail accounts').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, typically not. It's a mass noun referring to the service or concept (e.g., 'I use webmail'). You can count 'webmail accounts' or 'webmail services'.
'Email' is the general system of electronic mail. 'Webmail' is a specific type of email service where the interface is a website, as opposed to a separate application on your device.
Yes, they are two of the most popular webmail services. You access them through a browser, which is the defining feature.
No, it is not standard. Use 'email' or 'send an email' instead. For example, say 'I'll email you' not 'I'll webmail you'.
An email service accessed through a web browser.
Webmail is usually neutral in register.
Webmail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwebmeɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwebmeɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Mail you read on the WEB' = WEBMAIL.
Conceptual Metaphor
ONLINE SERVICE IS A PLACE (e.g., 'log in to your webmail').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of 'webmail'?