letter-card

A child mails a letter-card to a friend.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A postal card with a message: A "letter-card" is a type of postal stationery consisting of a sheet of paper, often pre-stamped, that is folded and sealed to form a card for sending a written message through the mail. It typically has a gummed edge that allows it to be closed before posting.

Usage Examples

• (A postal card with a gummed edge used for sending a message.)
• (Historical examples of this postal format.)

Advanced Usage

• "letter-card" as a collectible: In philately (stamp collecting), letter-cards are valued for their printed stamps and historical designs.
  • Collectors often search for rare letter-cards from the Edwardian era. (They seek these postal items as collectible artifacts.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lettercard (n): an alternative spelling of "letter-card," used interchangeably.
  • The post office sold a new lettercard with a floral pattern. (A postal card similar to a letter-card.)
• Postcard (n): a card for sending a message by mail without an envelope, typically with a picture on one side.
  • He sent a postcard from Paris. (A different, simpler postal item.)
• Aerogramme (n): a lightweight, foldable letter-card designed for airmail.
  • She used an aerogramme to write to her pen pal overseas. (A specific type of letter-card for airmail.)

Synonyms

• Postal card: a card issued by a postal authority for sending messages.
• Mail card: a general term for a card sent through postal services.

Related Idioms

• "Send a letter-card": to communicate via this specific postal method.
  • In the days before email, people would often send a letter-card for short notes. (To use this form of mail.)