What does stamp mean?
The word "stamp" most commonly denotes a postage stamp: a small piece of adhesive paper that shows postage or another fee has been paid. By extension, it can refer to an official seal, mark, or impression used to identify or authorize a document. As a verb, "stamp" means to press a tool or surface against something firmly to make a mark, often repeatedly. It can also mean to affix a stamp, crush or tread something forcefully, or figuratively characterize or endorse something, as in "stamp something as dangerous" or "give something the stamp of approval." The word is familiar in everyday British and American English and is especially associated with letters, parcels, official paperwork, and institutions. Its many uses connect the physical act of making an impression with the social and administrative power of a mark that signals payment, identity, authority, or approval.
A small printed piece of adhesive paper used to indicate that postage or a fee has been paid; more broadly, an official mark, seal, or impression.
"Please affix the correct postage stamp to the parcel."
The unqualified word is most commonly understood as a postage stamp.
To press a tool or surface against something firmly to make a mark, or to affix a stamp to a document or item.
"The official stamped the form with a date and a red seal."
The verb can also mean to crush, pound, or tread forcefully, and figuratively to characterize, approve, or endorse something.
The plural is used for individual postage stamps, seals, or marks.
"She organized the stamps by country and year."
The Penny Black, issued in 1840, is widely regarded as the world's first adhesive postage stamp and helped turn postage from a complex postal procedure into a simple, portable label.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stamp come from?
The English word is attested from the Middle English period and belongs to a Germanic family of words related to crushing or treading forcefully. Its development also produced forms in other Germanic languages, including German "stampfen" and Dutch "stampen," while English "stomp" is a close cognate. The specialized sense for a postage label developed in the nineteenth century with the introduction of adhesive postage stamps, especially the Penny Black in 1840.
Related word forms
How stamp is actually used
In everyday use, "stamp" most often refers to a postage stamp, but it can also mean an official mark or the action of pressing firmly. Expressions such as "stamp of approval" are figurative, while "stamp someone as a traitor" is relatively formal or judgmental.
Easily confused with stamp
A stomp is a forceful stamping movement, especially one made by walking or stomping repeatedly, whereas a stamp can be the object used to mark a document or the act of pressing a mark onto it.
A stump is the remaining base of a tree or limb, while a stamp is an official mark, seal, or piece of postage.