mail

[meɪl]

mail Definition

• 1. letters and packages that are sent or delivered by postal system or courier
• 2. the postal system or the organization that is responsible for it
• 3. to send a letter or package to someone

Using mail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I need to go to the post office to pick up my mail.

• Example

  I received a lot of mail today.

• Example

  I'll mail you the documents tomorrow.

• Example

  She mailed the package to her friend in another state.

mail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mail

• post
• correspondence
• parcel
• package
• delivery

Idioms Using mail

• by return mail

  by the next mail delivery

  Example

  Please send me your response by return mail.

• snail mail

  the traditional postal system, as opposed to email or other electronic communication

  Example

  I prefer to send snail mail instead of emails.

• the check is in the mail

  a phrase used to indicate that a payment has been sent by mail, often used as an excuse for a delay in payment

  Example

  I know I owe you money, but the check is in the mail.

Phrases with mail

• junk mail

  unwanted advertising material, such as leaflets and brochures, that are sent to people's homes

  Example

  I always throw away the junk mail without reading it.

• chain mail

  a type of armor consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh

  Example

  The knight wore chain mail to protect himself in battle.

• air mail

  a postal service for sending mail by airplane, especially to other countries

  Example

  I sent the letter by air mail to make sure it arrives quickly.

Origins of mail

from Old French 'male', meaning 'wallet'

📌

Summary: mail in Brief

The term 'mail' [meɪl] refers to letters and packages sent or delivered by postal system or courier. It can also refer to the postal system itself. The verb form means to send a letter or package to someone. Examples include 'I received a lot of mail today,' and 'She mailed the package to her friend in another state.' Phrases like 'junk mail' and 'air mail' extend its usage, while idioms like 'by return mail' and 'the check is in the mail' add nuances to its meaning.