postmark

[pohst-mahrk]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to stamp with a postmark.

postmark

/ 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

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• unpostmarked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of postmark¹

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

Example Sentences

The letter is postmarked "TransAtlantic 7" meaning it was franked on board in the Titanic's post office before being taken off with other mail at Queenstown, Ireland.

Read more on BBC

At issue is a Mississippi law that allows ballots to be counted for up to five days after polls close, as long as the ballots are postmarked by Election Day.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Read more on Barron's

Postal Service earlier this year may result in later postmarks than you might expect.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Changes to the United States Postal Service mean that some ballots mailed on election day may not be postmarked the same day.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• forward 
• send