Word
postmaster
Phoneticspost·mas·ter, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpoʊsˌmæstɝ/
UK/pˈəʊstmɑːstɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the person in charge of a local post office. They manage the staff and make sure the mail is handled correctly.
n. the official in charge of a specific post office or a postal district. While historically common, the title is now often replaced by more modern administrative designations in many postal services.
Examples
“The postmaster signed for the delivery of the new stamps.”
“After twenty years of service, the local postmaster retired and was celebrated by the entire village.”
“The postmaster general oversees the entire national network, but individual postmasters maintain responsibility for the operational efficiency and security of their respective local branches.”
Examples
simple
“The postmaster signed for the delivery of the new stamps.”
contextual
“After twenty years of service, the local postmaster retired and was celebrated by the entire village.”
complex
“The postmaster general oversees the entire national network, but individual postmasters maintain responsibility for the operational efficiency and security of their respective local branches.”
Usage
The feminine form 'postmistress' is still occasionally used, though 'postmaster' is increasingly treated as a gender-neutral professional title.
Real-World Examples
“She couldn't bear the idea of prison and did what hundreds of other innocent postmasters did - pleaded guilty.” Etymology
From post + master.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/postmaster