Definition

Noun: A letter that is transported by air, typically as part of a postal service's faster delivery option. This specifically refers to the physical letter itself, not the service or postage.

Usage

The term "airmail letter" is used to specify a piece of correspondence sent via air transport, distinguishing it from surface mail. It often implies faster delivery over long distances.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I sent an airmail letter to my family overseas, and it arrived in just three days.
  • Before email, international communication often relied on airmail letters.
  • The envelope was marked with airmail stripes, clearly identifying it as an airmail letter.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: In the mid-20th century, sending an "airmail letter" was the fastest way to communicate across continents, preceding modern digital communication.
• Collectibility: Vintage airmail letters with their distinctive striped envelopes are sometimes collected by philatelists (stamp collectors).

Variants and Related Words

• Airmail (noun): The system or service of transporting mail by aircraft.
  • I prefer to use airmail for international packages.
• Airmail (verb): To send something by airmail.
  • Please airmail this document to our London office.
• Surface mail (noun): Mail transported by land and sea, typically slower than airmail.
  • The book was sent by surface mail to save on cost.

Synonyms

• Aerogramme (noun): A lightweight, foldable letter sheet designed specifically for airmail, often with pre-paid postage.
• Air letter (noun): A less common but synonymous term for an airmail letter.

Antonyms

• Surface mail letter (noun): A letter sent via land or sea transport.

Related Phrases

• By airmail: A phrase used to indicate the method of postal dispatch.
  • Please send this parcel by airmail.
• Airmail postage: The postage fee required to send an airmail letter.
  • The airmail postage to Australia is quite high.

Noun

1. a letter sent by air mail