Definition

Noun: 1. A sturdy bag used by a letter carrier for transporting mail on their delivery route. It is typically carried over the shoulder. 2. A large sack or pouch used for the bulk transportation of letters and packages within a postal system.

Usage

The word "mailbag" specifically refers to the container for holding mail, either carried by an individual postal worker or used for bulk shipment.

Examples: * The postal worker slung the heavy mailbag over her shoulder before starting her route. * They loaded the mailbags onto the train for cross-country delivery. * (In British English) The postman sorted the letters into his postbag.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: The term can be used figuratively to represent the collective correspondence received, especially by a public figure or media outlet.
  • Example: "The senator's controversial statement filled the office mailbag with thousands of letters."

Variants and Related Words

• Postbag (noun): The British English equivalent for "mailbag."
• Mail pouch (noun): A synonym, especially for a bag or sack used in shipment.
• Mail sack (noun): Another synonym for a large bag used in mail transport.

Synonyms

• Pouch
• Sack
• Bag (in this specific context)

Related Idioms or Phrases

• The mailbag is sometimes used metonymically to refer to a segment of a broadcast or publication featuring reader or listener correspondence.
  • Example: "Now, let's open the mailbag and answer some of your questions."

Noun

1. letter carrier's shoulder bag
   • in Britain they call a mailbag a postbag
2. pouch used in the shipment of mail