postage
POHST-ij
/ˈpoʊstɪdʒ/
The charge or payment for sending a letter or package by mail.
Specifically refers to the financial cost or the stamps representing that cost, rather than the physical mail itself.
The story behind the word. Postage is built on the word 'post', which traces back to the Latin 'posita' (placed), from 'ponere' (to place). This referred to the fixed stations or 'posts' along Roman roads where messengers and horses were positioned to quickly pass along imperial mail.
Word relationships
- mailing cost: A descriptive term, whereas postage is the official, specific word for postal system charges.
- shipping fee: Usually covers broader commercial shipping methods, while postage is strictly for mail services.
Commonly confused with
- post: Post can refer to the mail system itself or a physical pillar, while postage is specifically the fee paid for mailing.
Word family
- postal (adjective): Relating to the post office or mail delivery.
Collocations
- postage stamp
- postage paid
- insufficient postage
- postage rate
Example sentences
- "If you do not apply enough postage to the envelope, the post office may return it to you." Mailing a letter
- "The price of the book includes free postage and packaging within the United Kingdom." E-commerce checkout
Memory hook
You pay 'postage' to 'post' your letter at the post office. Postage: The price to post.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to private courier fees that do not use the official national postal system.
Fun facts
- The world's first adhesive postage stamp was the Penny Black, issued by Great Britain in 1840, featuring a profile of Queen Victoria.
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