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• zip code
  zip code

  noun

  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
  zip-code

  verb (used with object)

  to provide or mark with a zip code.

zip code

¹ American  

Or ZIP code,

noun

zip codes plural

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.

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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.

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zip code British  

noun

1. the US equivalent of postcode

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• zip codes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of zip code

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

Example Sentences

A spokesperson for the Spurs told the BBC that individuals whose billing ZIP code falls outside the designated area "are unable to complete a ticket purchase subject to that restriction".

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

This insurance score is considered along with factors such as a policyholder’s age, ZIP code, property value, claims history and driving record when insurers set premiums for home and auto insurance.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

National Park visitors will confirm their residency by providing a ZIP code when purchasing a pass online and then must show a U.S. government-issued photo ID that matches when using it, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

The upshot was that hospitals and doctors were unsure when to intervene, and that the access available to patients with the most serious emergencies varied by ZIP code.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2025

The Mediterranean-style villa sits on Elm Street within the wealthy 90210 ZIP code.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2024