What does webmail mean?
Webmail is an email service or message accessed through a web browser rather than a dedicated desktop or mobile application. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it described a familiar way to keep in touch online, often through a provider such as a university, employer, or internet service. The word combines the idea of the World Wide Web with electronic mail, and it usually implies that no separate email program needs to be installed. Although most people now simply say email, webmail remains common in instructions, account settings, institutional communications, and references to older online services. The expression may also sound slightly dated or technical, which distinguishes it from the broader and more neutral term email. Webmail continues to be particularly useful when discussing browser-based access, organizational accounts, or communication systems intended for occasional users.
An email service accessed through a web browser, or an individual email message handled through such a service.
"He opened the attached document from his webmail."
Often used as a mass noun for the service, though the plural webmails is also used for individual messages.
To send an email to someone by means of a webmail service.
"I webmailed her the revised itinerary."
This verbal use is much less common than the noun and occurs chiefly in informal or computing contexts.
Webmail is commonly an uncountable noun when referring to the service or email as a category, but webmails is standard when referring to individual messages.
"Several webmails were waiting in his inbox."
Webmail was once the web's front door to email—an inbox without an install.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of webmail
Webmail is a modern compound of web, referring to the World Wide Web, and mail, the older term for postal correspondence and electronic messages. It became established during the 1990s as users began accessing email through websites in a browser rather than through dedicated software. The closely related terms email, e-mail, and netmail developed alongside it, reflecting the same extension of mail into electronic communication.
Related word forms
How webmail is actually used
Webmail is understood in both British and American English but can sound somewhat dated when contrasted with app-based email. The noun is often treated as a mass noun, especially when referring to the service as a whole. Its use as a verb is comparatively uncommon.
Easily confused with webmail
Email is the general category of messages sent electronically, while webmail specifically suggests accessing those messages through a web browser.