post office

American  

[pohst aw-fis, of-is] / ˈpoʊst ˌɔ fɪs, ˌɒf ɪs /

noun

1. an office or station of a government postal system at which mail is received and sorted, from which it is dispatched and distributed, and at which stamps are sold or other services rendered. PO, P.O.

2. Often Post Office the department of a government charged with the transportation of mail.

3. an old-fashioned game in which one player is designated “postmaster” or “postmistress” and calls another player of a different gender into an adjoining room, ostensibly to receive a letter but actually to receive a kiss.

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Post Office ¹ British  

noun

1. a government department or authority in many countries responsible for postal services and often telecommunications

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post office ² British  

noun

1. a building or room where postage stamps are sold and other postal business is conducted

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Other Word Forms

• post-office adjective

Etymology

Origin of post office

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

Jonah noticed that some of the Winstons’ letters had those yellow forwarding stickers the post office used when people moved, covering an old address with the new one.

From Literature

She was stuck in place like a train on a track, as much a part of the city as the post office steps.

From Literature

Landscaper Jose Cervantes, who lost his home as well as 26 of his customers in Altadena, picked up his mail at the post office for a time after the fire.

From Los Angeles Times

In New York, Duvall worked night shifts at the post office, washed dishes and kept auditioning.

From Los Angeles Times

CAREFREE, Ariz. — Elizabeth H. paused recently outside the post office in this small, high-desert community, not far from where Easy Street meets Nonchalant Avenue.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• postal service