# parcels

/ˈpɑɹsəɫz/ (US) · /pˈɑːsəlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/parcels
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. packages

noun · CEFR B1

objects wrapped in paper or packed in boxes so they can be sent by mail.

For teachers: plural form of parcel; items wrapped or packed for transport or delivery.

- The delivery driver left three large parcels on the front porch this morning.
- During the holiday season, the sorting facility handles thousands of parcels daily, ranging from small envelopes to bulky crates.

### 3. mail trains

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Archaic

trains that carry only packages and mail rather than people.

For teachers: a shortened term for 'parcels trains', which were dedicated rail services for transporting mail and packages.

- In the past, the parcels would rattle through the station late at night.
- The decline of the dedicated parcels on the national rail network led to a significant shift toward road haulage for domestic deliveries.

## Examples

- The mail carrier delivered three parcels to our front door today.
- During the holiday season, the sorting facility processes thousands of parcels every hour to ensure timely delivery.
- The logistics company specializes in the rapid distribution of small parcels across the continent, utilizing a sophisticated network of automated hubs and local couriers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.