What does mailroom mean?
A mailroom is a designated area in an office or organization where mail is received, sorted, and distributed to various departments or individuals. It is typically a room or section equipped with sorting equipment, mailboxes, and workstations for mail handlers. The mailroom plays a crucial role in ensuring that mail is efficiently processed and reaches its intended recipients in a timely manner. In large organizations, the mailroom may be a centralized location that handles a high volume of mail, including packages, letters, and other correspondence. The term 'mailroom' can also refer to the department or section responsible for handling mail, which may include tasks such as sorting, scanning, and forwarding mail.
nounA room in an office or organization where mail is sorted, processed, and distributed.
- A room for sorting and processing mail
- A department or section responsible for handling mail
"The administrative assistant worked in the mailroom, sorting packages and letters for the entire company."
"The mailroom was located in the basement of the building."
"She worked in the mailroom during her internship."
The plural form 'mailrooms' is used to refer to multiple rooms or departments responsible for handling mail.
"The company had multiple mailrooms located in different buildings across the city."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mailroom
The word 'mailroom' originated in the late 19th century, combining 'mail' and 'room'. The term 'mail' comes from the Old French 'male', meaning 'bag' or 'sack', which referred to a bag or container used for carrying letters and packages. The word 'room' comes from the Old English 'rūm', meaning 'space' or 'enclosure'.
How mailroom is actually used
The term 'mailroom' is commonly used in large organizations, such as corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions. It can also refer to a specific department or section responsible for handling mail.