postmaster

American  

[pohst-mas-ter, -mah-ster] / ˈpoʊstˌmæs tər, -ˌmɑ stər /

noun

1. the official in charge of a post office.

2. (formerly) the master of a station that furnished post horses to travelers.

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postmaster British  

/ ˈpəʊstˌmɑːstə /

noun

1. Also (feminine): postmistress.  an official in charge of a local post office

2. the person responsible for managing the electronic mail at a site

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Other Word Forms

• postmastership noun
• subpostmaster noun
• subpostmastership noun

Etymology

Origin of postmaster

First recorded in 1505–15; post ³ + master

Explanation

A postmaster is the person who manages a post office. It's ultimately the postmaster's responsibility to make sure your mail is delivered on time. For three years, Abraham Lincoln was postmaster of the New Salem, Illinois, post office. Back then, this was an appointed position, and postmasters of large post offices were appointed by the president. Today, if you want to be a postmaster you should start by getting a job delivering or sorting mail and work your way up. The postmaster general heads up the entire U.S. Postal Service. Postmaster comes from post, or "mail," and the Latin magister, "director."

Example Sentences

Sadly, her aunt turns out to be dead, but Quartz Creek’s postmaster encourages Selena to move into her house anyway.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

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

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2025

U.S. in 1926, which held that the president could remove a postmaster in Oregon.

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2025

Her grandfather was postmaster in Lake Nebagamon, Wis., in the 1930s.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

In February of 1894 when a thick letter came from a firm of attorneys in Washington the postmaster thought it might be important.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• postal service