postmaster general

American  

noun

• postmasters general
  plural

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

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postmaster general British  

noun

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

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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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• postmasters general
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of postmaster general

First recorded in 1620–30

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

postmaster general

The postmaster general, David Steiner, said earlier this month that although the portal was developed quickly, the agency’s standards for quality and security weren’t compromised.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026

After his reelection in 1832, Jackson nominated Kendall to be postmaster general.

From Slate ● Sep. 4, 2026

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

The postmaster general was requested to put an end forthwith to the receipt by the deputy postmaster general of any fees on account of the transmission of newspapers.

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

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