airmail

American  

[air-meyl] / ˈɛərˌmeɪl /

Or air-mail

noun

1. the system, especially a government postal system, of sending mail by airplane.

2. a letter, package, etc., sent by this system.

3. a stamp authorizing delivery of mail by this system.

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adjective

1. of or relating to airmail.

adverb

1. by airmail.

   Send all overseas letters airmail.

verb (used with object)

1. to send via airmail.

   I airmailed the package yesterday.

airmail British  

/ ˈɛəˌmeɪl /

noun

1. the system of conveying mail by aircraft

2. mail conveyed by aircraft

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adjective

1. of, used for, or concerned with airmail

verb

1. (tr) to send by airmail

Etymology

Origin of airmail

First recorded in 1910–15; air ¹ + mail ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The 24-cent airmail stamp shows a Curtiss Jenny aircraft, printed upside down at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing because of an error.

From Washington Times • Nov. 10, 2023

William Boeing’s namesake company was building seaplanes on South Lake Union in Seattle and found a partner to launch airmail and passenger travel, which eventually broke off as United Airlines.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2022

He had covered the tissue-thin airmail stationary corner to corner with his typing, leaving only a little room for the address.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2022

The portrait was later chosen by the Queen as the image for the Royal Mail airmail stamp.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2022

Obinze, who anchored her through that summer of waiting—his steady voice over the phone, his long letters in blue airmail envelopes—and who understood, as summer was ending, the new gnawing in her stomach.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie