first-class mail
2
2.2
- noun
- /ˈfɜrstˌklæs meɪl/
- Formal
- If you want your letter to arrive quickly, you should choose first-class mail instead of standard mail.
- sent by first-class mail
Examples
-
The year-end notice was allowed to be sent via first-class mail or e-mail.
Academic text (2017) -
All submissions should be sent by certified first-class mail, return receipt requested.
Academic text (1995) -
So, I use first-class mail to ship the items.
Blog text (7) -
The notice may be provided by first-class mail, e-mail, or other electronic communication.
Academic text (2017) -
All the mailings were sent by regular first-class mail.
Academic text (1995) -
In his state, defendants can receive notice of process by first-class mail or a process server at their home or workplace.
Academic text (2011) -
We sent these materials through first-class mail to all of the panelists by the end of autumn.
Academic text (1997) -
For example, in Hawaii, any solicitation by e-mail is problematic; state bar rules mandate that all solicitations be sent by first-class mail.
Academic text (2006) -
Send images by first-class mail in a reusable container for the return of images and critiques to directors, providing return postage.
Academic text (2007) -
The documents were stapled together in a fixed order to be returned to the researcher by first-class mail in a stamped, addressed envelope provided by the researchers.
Academic text (1996)
Synonyms
5
2.2
A mail service that gives letters and small packages faster delivery
1
2.9
Mail handled first and sent faster, like letters or postcards
A fast mail service for letters and postcards that gets priority delivery
Antonyms
How Fast
Surface Forms
Morphology
first-class + mail
The noun phrase combines 'first-class' (meaning highest rank or given priority) with 'mail' (postal items), so the sense of a prioritized postal category is directly derivable from the constituents. This compositional pattern is common and follows standard English adjective + noun formation, so a B1 learner who knows the parts would likely understand the meaning.
Etymology
First-class mail comes from the idea of first-class service, where the top group got the best and fastest treatment. So mail called first-class mail is put first by the postal service and sent faster, meaning 'priority' delivery.