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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of postcode

First recorded in 1965–70; post ³ + code

Example Sentences

Estate agents show rental prices in the same expensive postcode ranging from £2,000 and £7,500 per month for two and three bedroom apartments, with detached houses much higher.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

Angela Contestabile, from the Stroke Association, said there was also a "postcode lottery across Wales as to who gets treatment, and who gets it when".

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

The party has also called for an end to a "postcode lottery" in childcare caused by some councils applying entitlement from the start of a school term rather than from a child's third birthday.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

Campaigner Emma Metcalfe said the situation in County Armagh and the surrounding areas had created "a postcode lottery" because people have to rely on capacity at other trusts or fund their own placements.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 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