postmaster general

American  

noun

plural

postmasters general

1. the executive head of the postal system of a country.

---

postmaster general British  

noun

1. the executive head of the postal service in certain countries

---

postmaster general Cultural  

1. The head of the United States Postal Service. Until 1970, the postmaster general was head of the federal Post Office Department and a member of the president's cabinet. In 1970, the Postal Service was set up as an independent agency in place of the Post Office Department. The Postal Service is operated like a private corporation, although postal workers receive the benefits of federal employees.

---

Etymology

Origin of postmaster general

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

U.S. in 1838, which limited presidential control of the postmaster general, and Myers v.

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2025

This month, the Postal Service’s Board of Governors announced its selection of David Steiner to be the next postmaster general.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

Louis DeJoy, postmaster general, said the Postal Service goal is to make peak holiday season delivery “superior and routine.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2023

Louis DeJoy, the postmaster general of the United States, said the main post office facility in Atlanta would be named after Lewis in an August ceremony.

From Washington Times • Jun. 22, 2023

While the treasury was deliberating, a new postmaster general supervened, who was quite prepared to face the idea of colonial postal systems over which he ceased to have control.

From The History of the Post Office in British North America by Smith, William, Sir