postcode

American  

[pohst-kohd] / ˈpoʊstˌkoʊd /

noun

British.

1. an official code used by the post office, similar to the U.S. zip code, that adds numbers and letters to addresses to expedite mail delivery.

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postcode British  

/ ˈpəʊstˌkəʊd /

noun

1. Also called: postal code.  US equivalent: zip code.  a code of letters and digits used as part of a postal address to aid the sorting of mail

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Etymology

Origin of postcode

First recorded in 1965–70; post ³ + code

Example Sentences

A leading cancer researcher has said that Northern Ireland patients should not be left behind in a "postcode lottery" as a new injectable cancer drug is rolled out across other parts of the UK.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

Rival motoring group the AA said the chances of motorists seeing a cut in fuel prices would depend on where they lived due to what it called "the pump-price postcode lottery".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Aylesbury MP Laura Kyrke-Smith, whose close friend took her own life after having a baby, called access a "postcode lottery" with some areas "complete deserts".

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib said on Thursday that almost 500,000 unsafe abortions took place in Europe every year and "safety and freedom must never depend on your postcode and income".

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

On Yahoo’s front page there are news stories, tailored to your postcode or whatever—God only knows how they know my postcode, but they do.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins