Definition

1. Noun:
   • A notation written on mail: A direction written on a letter or parcel indicating it should be kept at a post office until the addressee collects it. This service is not available in the United States or Canada, where "general delivery" is used.
   • The service or department itself: The section of a post office that handles mail held for collection under this system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • I was traveling without a fixed address, so I had my letters sent to the main post office poste restante.
  • Please address the package poste restante to the central post office in Paris.
  • He went to the poste restante counter to inquire about any held mail.

Advanced Usage

• "To send something poste restante": To mail an item with instructions for it to be held at a post office for collection.

  • For security, they advised sending the documents poste restante rather than to a hotel.

• "To collect from poste restante": To pick up mail that is being held under this service.

  • Remember to bring your passport when you collect from poste restante.

Variants and Related Words

• General Delivery (n): The equivalent service in the United States and Canada.
  • In the U.S., you would ask for your mail to be sent to General Delivery.

Synonyms

• Hold for collection: A descriptive phrase for the same service.
• To be called for: Another way to describe mail that is kept until the recipient picks it up.

Notes on Usage

• Poste restante is a term adopted from French, meaning "mail remaining". It is used as a fixed phrase in English.
• It functions as an uncountable noun and is often used without an article (e.g., "send it poste restante").
• This service is particularly useful for travelers, backpackers, or individuals without a permanent local address.

Noun

1. a notation written on mail that is to be held at the post office until called for (not in the United States or Canada)
2. the part of a post office that handles mail for persons who call for it