postman

USAGE SUMMARY

"postman" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone whose job is to deliver letters and other items to people's homes or businesses. For example: "The postman delivered the package to my door today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Spall's mum was a hairdresser, his dad was a postman, and he played the Cowardly Lion in a production of The Wizard of Oz at school.

The Guardian - Film

And while the Marvelettes never reached No 1 again, they notched up two further US top 10 hits (Playboy and Don't Mess With Bill in 1962 and 66 respectively), though neither captured the trials of adolescence quite like the fervent Please Me Postman.

The Guardian - Music

Murdering a policeman or a postman is a crime.

The Guardian

They mention how they dread the postman delivering a "brown letter" containing bad news from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Guardian - Opinion

I did that for a short while when I got out, but didn't like it, so I became a postman.

The Guardian - Sport

The second voice is a postman who remembers his first awkward night with a woman who has denied herself love; while the third is a taxi driver who, to survive the massacre, escapes to the very bowels of the island.

The Economist

Is the postman not working for the people?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The postmen – all white apart from one West Indian – were suspended for three weeks and threatened with dismissal.

The Guardian

I wish it hadn't become so unfashionable for people to do a few years as postmen, doctors, teachers, or anything at all, before going into politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once again, the Cricklewood postmen took action, blacking the mail to Grunwick.

The Guardian

The decision of postmen at the local sorting office in Cricklewood to black the firm's mail almost won the dispute for the strikers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity about the specific role; "postman" implies someone who delivers mail directly to residences or businesses, as opposed to other postal workers.

Common error

Avoid using "postman" when referring to a person of unspecified gender. Opt for gender-neutral alternatives like "mail carrier" to be inclusive.

Linguistic Context

The word "postman" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person whose job is to deliver mail. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable word in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "postman" is a common noun referring to a person who delivers mail, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its gendered nature prompts consideration of neutral alternatives like "mail carrier". Usage is frequent across news and media, with encyclopedias and scientific texts also employing the term. It's important to be mindful of inclusivity and register when choosing between "postman" and its alternatives. Ludwig provides numerous examples highlighting its use in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mail carrier

Replaces "postman" with a more generic term that encompasses both male and female carriers.

mailman

An older, synonymous term for "postman", though increasingly seen as gendered.

letter carrier

Focuses on the delivery of letters, a primary function of a "postman".

mail deliverer

Emphasizes the action of delivering mail, offering a slightly more formal tone.

postal worker

Refers to anyone working for the postal service, including those who deliver mail.

route carrier

Highlights the aspect of following a specific route for delivering mail.

person delivering mail

A more descriptive phrase that replaces the single word "postman".

delivery person

A broader term that includes anyone who delivers items, not just mail.

postal employee

Another general term for someone working in the postal service.

local mail delivery worker

Adds specificity by including location, useful to emphasize the area that is covered.

FAQs

What does the word "postman" mean?

A "postman" is someone who delivers letters and packages to homes and businesses. It's increasingly common to use the gender-neutral term "mail carrier".

Are there gender-neutral alternatives to "postman"?

Yes, common gender-neutral alternatives include "mail carrier", "letter carrier", and "delivery person".

Is "mailman" the same as "postman"?

"Mailman" is an older, synonymous term for "postman", but it's also gendered. "Mail carrier" is the preferred term.

How can I use "postman" in a sentence?

You can say, "The "postman" delivered a package to my door today", but consider "mail carrier" for a more inclusive option.