postmark

American  

[pohst-mahrk] / ˈpoʊstˌmɑrk /

noun

1. an official mark stamped on letters and other mail, serving as a cancellation of the postage stamp and indicating the place, date, and sometimes time of sending or receipt.

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verb (used with object)

1. to stamp with a postmark.

postmark British  

/ ˈpəʊstˌmɑːk /

noun

1. any mark stamped on mail by postal officials, such as a simple obliteration, date mark, or indication of route See also cancellation

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verb

1. (tr) to put such a mark on mail

Other Word Forms

• unpostmarked adjective

Etymology

Origin of postmark

First recorded in 1670–80; post ³ + mark ¹

Example Sentences

My college applications—each in its bulky envelope, larded with paper clips, staples and whiteout—had to be postmarked by noon.

From The Wall Street Journal

In total, there are 14 states that allow mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day to be counted, so long as those ballots are postmarked by Election Day.

From Salon

Since Dec. 24, a postmark no longer shows the date you deposited a piece of mail with the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

Officials pointed out the envelope bore a postmark from northern Virginia - noting that Epstein was detained in New York.

From BBC

It was postmarked from Virginia on Aug. 13, 2019, despite Epstein’s death in a Manhattan jail three days prior.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• forward
• send