What does postman mean?
A postman is a person whose work is to collect, sort, or deliver mail, especially letters and parcels taken to homes and businesses. The word remains common in British English, where it is usually neutrally used even when the person delivering the mail is a woman; “postwoman” is also available when gender is relevant. In American English, “postman” is more likely to sound old-fashioned, and the usual terms are “mail carrier” and “postal worker.” The expression can also carry a mildly humorous connotation because many people associate postal workers with the frequent delivery of unwanted advertising and promotional material. Historically, the postman was a familiar figure in many communities and could represent both a dependable public service and a frequent visitor. Although the role has changed through advances in communication and mail sorting, the term remains widely understood in both British and American English.
A person employed by a postal service to deliver mail, especially letters and parcels to homes and businesses.
"She left a note asking the postman to deliver a parcel to the next house."
Common in British English and still understood in American English, though “mail carrier” is the usual American term.
Historically, a person who carried postal dispatches or other postal business for hire.
"The stagecoach was delayed while the postman handed over the dispatches."
This is an archaic or historical sense and is chiefly encountered in older writing.
The standard plural is irregular: “postman” becomes “postmen.”
"The postmen have already delivered the morning's letters."
“A postman's knock” is a British expression for a confident knock made by someone who expects to be let in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does postman come from?
“Postman” is a compound of “post” and “man” that arose during the early modern period. “Post” developed through French from Latin posta, a term associated with the placing or dispatch of postal relays, while “man” comes from Old English mann. The compound originally referred broadly to a person who carried postal business, including dispatches, before becoming established for a postal employee who delivers mail.
How postman is actually used
In British English, “postman” is still widely used and is not considered offensive, although “postwoman” may be used when the person's gender is known. In American English it is comparatively dated, and “mail carrier” or “postal worker” is normally preferred. The term is also sometimes used figuratively for someone who regularly brings unwanted mail, such as advertising circulars.
Easily confused with postman
A postman delivers mail, whereas a postmaster manages a postal office or postal service.