drop letter

noun

1. a letter that is mailed to a local address at a post office without city delivery or a rural delivery service and must be picked up by the addressee.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drop letter¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

It must be a drop letter, as no mail has been received this morning.'

From Project Gutenberg

When in 1875 delivery by letter-carrier was introduced in certain towns, the drop-letter rate was not disturbed.

From Project Gutenberg

"Here's a drop letter for you, Jack," remarked Gif, who was distributing some of the mail.

From Project Gutenberg

One morning Paul found a drop-letter in the mail which greeted him daily.

From Project Gutenberg

The drop letter rate of postage will remain the same as now.

From Project Gutenberg