postmaster general

noun

, plural postmasters general.

1. the executive head of the postal system of a country.

postmaster general

noun

1. the executive head of the postal service in certain countries

postmaster general

1. The head of the United States Postal Service. Until 1970, the postmaster general was head of the federal Post Office Department and a member of the president's cabinet . In 1970, the Postal Service was set up as an independent agency in place of the Post Office Department. The Postal Service is operated like a private corporation , although postal workers receive the benefits of federal employees.

Word History and Origins

Origin of postmaster general¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

The president is not authorized to fire or appoint the postmaster general, who serves at the pleasure of the governors.

From Washington Post

On Thursday, the postmaster general struck a more conciliatory tone and repeatedly asked members for more resources, couched in what he described as a shared goal to improve mail delivery.

From Washington Post

More than a decade of financial losses and a shifting marketplace provided the perfect setting for a new postmaster general with a successful career in the private sector to start overhauling the system in the name of efficiency and innovation.

From FiveThirtyEight

The committee chairman, Postmaster General Henry C. Payne, was a Wisconsin Stalwart, and the other members were on his side.

From The Daily Beast

Former Postmaster General and Democratic National Committee Chairman James Farley was the first guest.

From The Daily Beast

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe has repeatedly called for Congress to enact legislation that would change this.

From The Daily Beast

Dr. Franklin was then unanimously chosen Postmaster-General.

From Project Gutenberg

The contractors agree to discharge any driver or carrier of said mail whenever required to do so by the Postmaster General.

From Project Gutenberg

The act of 1836 had authorized the Postmaster General to establish a carrier system in such cities as he might think advisable.

From Project Gutenberg

When he was here he laid the subject before the Postmaster General, who has to-day decided that he may do this.

From Project Gutenberg

The plan has also been adopted by the postmaster at Washington and has met the approval of the Postmaster General.

From Project Gutenberg