special delivery

American  

noun

1. (in the U.S. Postal Service) delivery of mail outside the regularly scheduled hours, by a special messenger, upon the payment of an extra fee.

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special delivery British  

noun

1. the delivery of a piece of mail outside the time of a scheduled delivery

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Other Word Forms

• special-delivery adjective

Etymology

Origin of special delivery

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

A few weeks ago, I got a text from my grandma: “A special delivery is on its way to you.”

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

In the next few days, Mr. Wiggins will receive a special delivery from New York City: the last of the goldfish from underneath the tuberculosis hospital.

From New York Times • Mar. 17, 2023

Reclaiming ancestral practices is what drew Angela Quintana Aucapan to have her baby — Namunküra, or “firm step” in Mapudungun — in the special delivery room recently, while relatives played traditional instruments.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 27, 2022

During strike days, Royal Mail said it would not deliver letters - except for special delivery - and would prioritise Covid tests and prescriptions and deliver as many tracked and special delivery parcels are possible.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2022

"Airmail and special delivery ..." It's unclear whether the seeds spilled before they got to Stanley or after he dropped the bag.

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar