Zip Code: Meaning, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：postal code (zip code)

zip code 🔊

/ˈzɪp ˌkoʊd/

A short number that tells the post office exactly where to deliver your mail or packages.

Zip code entry on smartphone with package and map pin

postal code 🔊

➕

/ˈpoʊstəl ˌkoʊd/

A numeric or alphanumeric code assigned to specific geographic areas to facilitate mail sorting and delivery.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Zip is an acronym for 'Zone Improvement Plan' and code comes from Latin 'codex' meaning a systematic collection.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a zipper closing quickly to deliver mail straight to the right zone.

📖 Example

Can you tell me your zip code? I need it to calculate the shipping cost for your online order. 🔊 Can you tell me your zip code? I need it to calculate the shipping cost for your online order.

🔗 Collocations

enter your zip code – Type your postal code into a form or system

zip code lookup – A service to find the correct postal code for an address

five-digit zip code – The standard format of a US zip code consisting of five digits

🔄 Synonyms

postcode (n.) – A code used in many countries to identify postal delivery areas, synonymous with zip code.

postal code (n.) – A general term for a code assigned to a geographic area for mail sorting.

ZIP (n.) – An abbreviated form of zip code, often used informally.

📖 Cultural Story

Introduced by the US Postal Service in 1963, ZIP stands for 'Zone Improvement Plan' to streamline mail sorting and delivery.