mail drop

American  

noun

1. a receptacle or one of a series of pigeonholelike slots, as in an office, into which incoming mail is placed for pickup.

2. drop.

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mail drop British  

noun

1. a receptacle or chute for mail

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Etymology

Origin of mail drop

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

You can vote by mail, drop your ballot in a box, or show up at a polling place on election day if you forgot to register to vote.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025

As of Monday, more than 3.3 million voters in the District, Maryland and Virginia had cast early ballots — either by mail, drop boxes or at early-voting sites.

From Washington Post • Nov. 7, 2022

In the 1980s, a single mail drop by a low-flying plane led to a stampede at a king penguin colony that caused 7,000 deaths.

From The Guardian • Dec. 31, 2020

“Do not put them in the mail; drop them off in person.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 31, 2020

I listen to the radio, scour the Tribune, wait anxiously for the mail drop, and devour Dutchy’s letters when they come, scanning quickly for news—is he okay?

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline