mail-train

A mail-train speeds through the countryside at dusk.

Definition

1. Noun (countable):
   • A train that carries mail: "mail-train" refers to a railway train specifically designated for transporting postal mail.

Usage Examples

• (A train carrying mail.)
• (A train used for postal service.)

Advanced Usage

• "to catch the mail-train": to board a train that transports mail, often used figuratively to mean meeting a deadline for sending mail.
  • If you want your letter to arrive by Friday, you need to catch the mail-train tonight. (Board the mail-carrying train.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mail (noun): letters and packages sent by postal system.

  • I received a lot of mail today. (Postal correspondence.)

• Train (noun): a series of connected railway cars.

  • The train pulled into the station. (Railway vehicle.)

• Mail car (noun): a railway car specifically used for sorting and carrying mail.

  • The mail car was filled with sorted envelopes. (A car in a mail-train.)

Synonyms

• Postal train: a train that carries mail (synonymous with "mail-train").
  • The postal train runs every night between London and Edinburgh. (Same meaning as mail-train.)

Related Idioms

• "The mail must go through": a phrase emphasizing the importance of delivering mail regardless of obstacles.
  • Despite the snowstorm, the mail-train continued its journey — the mail must go through. (The delivery of mail is essential.)

Notes on Usage

• "Mail-train" is typically written with a hyphen, though it may appear as "mail train" (without hyphen) in less formal contexts.
• This term is historical or specialized; in modern times, mail is often transported by truck or airplane, but "mail-train" remains in use for heritage railways or specific postal services.