mailbag
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- letter carrier's shoulder bag
- in Britain they call a mailbag a postbag
- pouch used in the shipment of mail