What does fedex mean?
"Fedex" is a modern English verb meaning to send a package, document, or other item quickly via express courier, originally specifically the FedEx Corporation (formerly Federal Express). It arose as a natural conversion of the brand name into everyday language, joining the small set of trademarks — like "google" or "xerox" — that speakers routinely treat as ordinary verbs. The word carries connotations of speed, urgency, and reliability: to say you will fedex something implies it needs to arrive fast, often overnight. As a noun, it can refer to the courier service itself or to a shipment sent through it. Because FedEx remains a registered trademark, careful or legal writing capitalizes it and may prefer neutral terms like "send by courier," but in informal and business contexts the lowercased verb is thoroughly established on both sides of the Atlantic.
To send a package or document via FedEx or another express courier service.
"We'll fedex the originals to your office first thing tomorrow."
Transitive; often used with items requiring urgent or overnight delivery.
Informally, the FedEx courier service, or a shipment sent through it.
"The fedex arrived before nine in the morning."
"Fedex" started as a corporate shorthand for Federal Express — and became so ubiquitous that the company officially embraced it as a verb, one of the rare trademarks that made it into everyday speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fedex
"Fedex" derives from FedEx, the shortened name adopted in 1994 by Federal Express Corporation, the courier company founded by Frederick W. Smith in 1971. The brand name itself is a blend of "Federal," referring to the company's original name, and "Express." The underlying word "federal" comes from Latin "foedus," meaning covenant or league, which also gives us "federation" and "confederate." The verb use as a genericized trademark developed in the late 20th century.
How fedex is actually used
Strictly a genericized trademark: in formal writing, especially legal contexts, 'FedEx' should be capitalized and treated as a brand name rather than a common verb. In everyday speech, the lowercased verb is widely accepted in both British and American English.
Easily confused with fedex
A fax is a document transmitted over a telephone line, while to fedex is to physically ship an item by express courier.