Definition

Adverb * Collecting the charges upon delivery: A method of payment where the recipient pays for goods or services at the time they are physically delivered. The payment is made directly to the delivery person or carrier.

Usage

This term describes a payment arrangement, primarily for shipped goods. It is often abbreviated as C.O.D. The seller or sender does not receive payment until the item is successfully delivered to and accepted by the recipient.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The customer requested to send the parcel cash on delivery.
  • We offer cash on delivery as a convenient payment option for online orders.
  • The invoice was marked C.O.D., so I had the money ready for the courier.

Advanced Usage

• Used as a noun phrase: While primarily an adverbial phrase, it can function nominally to refer to the payment method itself.
  • "Do you accept cash on delivery?" she asked. (Here, "cash on delivery" is the object of the verb "accept".)

Variants and Related Words

• C.O.D.: The standard abbreviation for "cash on delivery".
• Collect on Delivery: A less common but synonymous full form.

Synonyms

• Payment upon delivery
• Pay on delivery

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Prepaid: The opposite arrangement, where payment is made by the sender before shipment.
• Freight Collect: A related shipping term where freight charges are paid by the recipient upon delivery.

Adverb

1. collecting the charges upon delivery
   • mail a package C.O.D.