zip code

¹ American  

Or ZIP code,

noun

1. a system used in the U.S. to facilitate the delivery of mail, consisting of a five- or nine-digit code printed directly after the address, the first five digits initial code indicating the state and post office or postal zone, the last four expanded code the box section or number, portion of a rural route, building, or other specific delivery location.

---

zip-code ² American  

[zip-kohd] / ˈzɪpˌkoʊd /

Or ZIP-code,

verb (used with object)

zip-coded, zip-coding

1. to provide or mark with a zip code.

   Zip-code all mail.

---

zip code British  

noun

1. the US equivalent of postcode

---

Etymology

Origin of zip code

An Americanism first recorded in 1960–65, Z(one) I(mprovement) P(rogram)

Example Sentences

“There’s a supply-and-demand dynamic that sometimes produces counterintuitive results,” said Samir Shah, chief executive of CareScout, which has a tool that is searchable by zip code to help pinpoint cost estimates.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

Once registered - using their name, email and zip code - fans will be entered into the random draw for time slots to buy tickets in April.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

On the other hand, zip code discrimination can leave good French companies undervalued.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

They found the ideal molecular zip code in a protein called brevican, which helps to form the jelly-like structure of the brain, and only appears there.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2024

Camille and Emma and Andre and even Lisa-Marie Anne rush to surround me as I read the zip code aloud.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller