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Glite Dictionary
first-class mail

first-class mail

1 2.2
A fast mail service for letters and small packages that is delivered before other mail
  • noun
  • /ˈfɜrstˌklæs meɪl/
  • Formal
translation icon : correo de primera clase
  • 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

first class
vsfirst-class mail
9 2.2

A mail service that gives letters and small packages faster delivery

is the same but explicitly names the postal items category
1st-class mail
vsfirst-class mail
1.8

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

is the same service but written with words rather than numerals
1st class
vsfirst-class mail
2.9

Mail handled first and sent faster, like letters or postcards

is written in words and explicitly includes the postal items term

Antonyms

third-class mail
  • Archaic
2.8

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

How Fast

express mail
1 2.8
first-class mail
  • Formal
1 2.2

Surface Forms

first-class mail singular
first-class mails plural

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.