postmistress
/'poust,mistris/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A female official who is in charge of a local post office.
Usage
This word specifically refers to a woman holding the position of postmaster. It is used to denote her role and authority in managing postal services at a local office. * The postmistress sorted the mail efficiently every morning. * You need to speak to the postmistress about a missing parcel.
Advanced Usage
- The term is a gendered occupational noun. In modern contexts, the gender-neutral term "postmaster" is increasingly used for all individuals in this role, though "postmistress" remains correct for specifically identifying a woman in that position.
- It can be used in historical contexts or narratives to specify gender.
- In the village's history, the postmistress was also a trusted source of local news.
Variants and Related Words
- Postmaster (noun): The gender-neutral or male-specific term for the person in charge of a post office.
- Postal worker (noun): A general term for anyone employed by the postal service.
Synonyms
- Mail superintendent (female)
- Postal official (female)
Related Phrases
- To serve as postmistress: To hold the job of postmistress.
- She served as postmistress for over twenty years.