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

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

It added that water from other reservoirs and treatment works was not affected, so people living in postcode areas other than those listed below could use their supplies as normal.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

The number of people having strokes could rise over the next decade if the "postcode lottery" of prevention and care in Wales is not fixed, the Stroke Association has warned.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 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