money order

American  

noun

• money orders
  plural

1. an order for the payment of money, as one issued by one bank or post office and payable at another.

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money order British  

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): postal order.  a written order for the payment of a sum of money, to a named payee, obtainable and payable at a post office

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• money orders
  plural

Etymology

Origin of money order

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

money order

Users on China’s WeChat and Alipay—owned by local technology giants Tencent and Ant, respectively—tap mini-apps and features available on the platforms to transfer money, order food, book travel and play games.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

The platform made it possible for people to securely send money digitally using their email address, which was easier than writing up a check or filling out a money order.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2026

In its filing, the Postal Service said it’s also seeking price adjustments on special services such as money order fees and certified mail.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 9, 2024

Included with the coupon was a money order for $21.45, intended to cover the $19.95 cost of a Mannlicher-Carcano, specially outfitted by Klein’s with a 4x telescopic sight, and shipping and handling.

From Slate ● Nov. 22, 2023

In another week there’s a telegram money order for three pounds and we’re in heaven.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt

Related Words

• bill