special delivery
Definition
Noun: A premium postal service for which an extra fee is paid to ensure faster and more secure handling and transportation of a letter or package, typically resulting in delivery outside of standard mail schedules.
Usage
"Special delivery" is used as a noun phrase to refer to the service itself or to an item sent via this service. It is often used in postal and shipping contexts. - I need to send this contract via special delivery to ensure it arrives by tomorrow. - The special delivery package required a signature upon receipt.
Advanced Usage
- "to send something special delivery": This is a common verb phrase meaning to use the special delivery postal service.
- She sent the wedding invitations special delivery.
Variants and Related Words
- Express mail / Courier service: These are related services offering fast, tracked delivery, though "special delivery" is a specific term historically associated with postal services.
- Registered mail: A service focusing on security and proof of mailing/delivery, sometimes combined with or compared to special delivery.
Synonyms
- Priority delivery
- Expedited mail
Related Phrases
- Special handling: A related postal term for fragile or perishable items, but it does not necessarily imply the fastest delivery speed like "special delivery" does.
Noun
-
mail that is delivered by a special carrier (for an additional charge)
