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mail

mail

175 1.0
Letters and packages sent or delivered by the postal service
  • noun
  • /meɪl/
translation icon : correo
  • Yeah, and this came in the mail the other day.
  • open the mail
  • regular mail
  • mail-order

But I recently got this box in the mail from Charlotte Tilbury.

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Examples

  • I received a package in the mail yesterday that I had been eagerly waiting for.

  • We sent these materials through first-class mail to all of the panelists by the end of autumn.

    Academic text (1997)
  • So you will get it in the mail as soon as you possibly can.

  • Probably your award might get lost in the mail, but I want my award.

  • You must have received my check in the mail for the rent.

  • I just received this tape in the mail a few minutes ago, and what can I say?

  • I received another check in the mail.

  • I went back to the office to see if I had any mail.

  • I just received my invitation in the mail today, as a matter of fact.

  • I'll bet it gets lost in the mail.

Synonyms

post
vsmail
  • UK
204 1.0

Letters and packages that are delivered to people

is the general term used more widely beyond the UK for delivery
snail mail
vsmail
  • Informal
7 3.4

Letters and packages that are sent and delivered by the postal service

includes those physical deliveries but also the containers and vehicles
mailbag
vsmail
1 2.0

A large strong bag for carrying letters and packages

is broader naming both the items sent and their transport containers
mail pouch
vsmail
1 3.7

A large strong bag that carries mail for delivery

focuses on the goods and also includes the bags and vehicles used

Idioms

To do important work well when other people depend on you

A promise that payment is on the way but probably is not

Compounds

e-mail address
  • Texting
30 1.1

A special name people use to send and receive messages online

22 2.7

Letters or messages people send to a celebrity to show they like them

20 2.1

Buying things from a catalog and having them sent to your home

hate mail
  • Offensive
20 4.6

Mean or threatening messages sent to upset someone

16 2.1

Unwanted letters and ads sent to many people

15 3.2

A phone service that lets people leave messages and hear them later when no one answers

11 3.2

Printed ads sent by post to possible customers

mail fraud
  • Formal
9 5.5

Crime of using the mail to trick people into giving money or things

7 2.0

A person who delivers letters and packages to homes and businesses

snail mail
  • Informal
7 3.4

Letters and packages that are sent and delivered by the postal service

e-mail message
  • Texting
6 1.0

A message sent by email over the internet

electronic mail
  • Texting
5 2.8

A way to send messages and documents between computers over the Internet

5 2.8

A narrow opening in a door for putting letters and small packages through

4 8.6

A flexible shirt of small metal rings joined together for protection

2 3.2

Mail the post office records and sends with extra security and a signature on delivery

mail call
  • Jargon
2 6.1

A time when people hear their names and receive letters or packages

junk e-mail
  • Texting
2 2.5

Email sent to many people that contains unwanted ads

1 2.2

A fast mail service for letters and small packages that is delivered before other mail

1 1.0

An official system that sends letters and packages between places, often run by the government

1 2.8

Letters and packages sent by plane to other countries

1 2.8

A person who sorts and handles mail in an office or post office

mail train
  • Archaic
1 2.6

A train that carries letters and packages for the post

coat of mail
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A piece of clothing with small metal rings linked together that protects the body in battle

1 2.8

A service that sends letters and packages faster than regular post

mail car
  • Archaic
1 3.5

A train carriage where postal workers sort and carry mail while the train moves

1 2.8

A boat that carries mail to islands and remote places

1 3.7

A large strong bag that carries mail for delivery

mail service
  • Texting
1 2.8

An online service that sends, receives, and stores electronic messages for users

1 9.9

A type of flexible armor made of small metal rings linked together

bulk mail
  • Specialized
3.2

Mail sent by post in large amounts to many people, often ads or flyers

bulk mail
  • Texting
3.3

Large amounts of email sent at once to many people, often ads or unwanted messages

coat-of-mail shell
  • Specialized
9.9

A sea animal with eight overlapping hard plates that clings to rocks

7.2

Mail that cannot be delivered or returned to its sender

A fast mail service for letters and postcards that gets priority delivery

Buying things from a catalog or website that come to your home

Letters and packages sent by land or sea instead of by air

2.8

Printed items sent by post at a lower cost and slower delivery

How Much

bulk mail
  • Texting
3.3
mail
175 1.0

Surface Forms

mail singular
mails plural

Etymology

Mail for letters and packages comes from an old word for a bag used to carry things, so the word first meant the things you find inside the mail bag. That's why 'mail' now means the letters and parcels you receive.