letter-drop

A mail carrier slides a letter through the letter-drop in the front door.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A slot for receiving mail: "letter-drop" refers to a narrow opening, typically in a door or wall, through which letters or small packages can be inserted or delivered. It is a physical feature of a building used for postal purposes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old house still has a brass letter-drop on the front door. (A metal slot for receiving mail.)
  • Please slide the envelope through the letter-drop. (Insert the envelope into the opening.)

Advanced Usage

• "to use a letter-drop": to employ such a slot for mail delivery.

  • The postman used the letter-drop to deliver the package. (The mail carrier placed the item through the slot.)

• "letter-drop location": the specific place where the slot is installed.

  • The letter-drop location is near the main entrance. (The slot's position is close to the primary door.)

Variants and Related Words

• Letterbox (n): a box or slot for receiving mail, often synonymous with letter-drop (though a letterbox may be a separate container).

  • The letterbox is mounted on the wall. (A mailbox or slot for letters.)

• Mail slot (n): another term for a letter-drop, especially in American English.

  • The mail slot is too narrow for large parcels. (The opening is small.)

Synonyms

• Mail slot: a narrow opening for postal items.
  • They installed a mail slot in the front door. (A letter-drop.)
• Postal slot: a slot designed for receiving mail.
  • The postal slot is covered with a flap. (A protective cover for the opening.)

Related Idioms

• Drop a line: to send a short letter or message (though not directly related to "letter-drop," it involves the same concept of written communication).
  • Drop me a line when you arrive. (Send a brief note.)

Note

• The term "letter-drop" is less common than "mail slot" or "letterbox" in everyday speech, but it remains a precise technical term for a door slot used for letters.