Mailman vs. Postman — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
Mailman and postman both refer to a person who delivers mail, but "mailman" is more common in American English, while "postman" is preferred in British English.
Difference Between Mailman and Postman
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "mailman" is primarily used in American English, suggesting a person who delivers mail. The word "postman" is the British equivalent, commonly used in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
Both mailman and postman perform the same role: delivering letters, packages, and other postal items. However, their usage differs based on regional dialects.
In the United States, "mailman" is often used colloquially, while "postman" might be understood but is less common. In contrast, "postman" is the standard term in the UK.
"Mailman" is derived from the word "mail," commonly used in American English, while "postman" comes from "post," a term more prevalent in British English.
Both words are gender-neutral despite the "-man" suffix. In recent times, terms like "mail carrier" or "postal worker" are also used to be more inclusive.
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Comparison Chart
Regional Usage
Common in American English
Preferred in British English
Derived From
"Mail," a term more used in the US
"Post," more prevalent in the UK
Role
Delivers mail
Delivers mail
Gender Connotation
Gender-neutral, though may imply male
Gender-neutral, though may imply male
Alternative Terms
Mail carrier, postal worker
Postie (informal), postal worker
Compare with Definitions
Mailman
Postal Worker
The mailman delivered letters daily.
Postman
Mail Carrier
Children eagerly await the postman's arrival.
Mailman
Mail Carrier
Our mailman knows everyone on the route.
Postman
Letter Deliverer
The postman knows every house by heart.
Mailman
Courier
The mailman also delivers express mail.
Postman
Package Handler
The postman balanced several packages.
Mailman
Letter Deliverer
The mailman braved the storm to deliver mail.
Postman
Postal Worker
The postman always arrives at 10 AM.
Mailman
Package Handler
The mailman carefully handled fragile parcels.
Postman
Courier
The postman delivered the urgent documents.
Mailman
A man who carries and delivers mail. Also called postman.
Postman
See mailman.
Mailman
(North America) someone who delivers mail to, and/or collects mail from, residential or commercial addresses, or from public mailboxes
Postman
Someone who delivers the post (mail) to, and/or collects the post from, residential or commercial addresses, or from public mailboxes.
Mailman
A man who delivers the mail. A male mail carrier.
Postman
One of the two most experienced barristers in the Court of Exchequer, who have precedence in motions, so called from the place where he sits, the other of the two being the tubman.
Mailman
A man who delivers the mail
Postman
A post or courier; a letter carrier.
Postman
One of the two most experienced barristers in the Court of Exchequer, who have precedence in motions; - so called from the place where he sits. The other of the two is called the tubman.
Postman
A man who delivers the mail
Common Curiosities
Can postman be used in American English?
Yes, but it's less common.
Are mailman and postman the same?
Yes, they both deliver mail.
Can a mailman deliver packages?
Yes, they deliver all postal items.
Is mailman outdated?
Not outdated, but alternatives are emerging.
Is mailman gender-specific?
No, it's gender-neutral.
Are there modern alternatives to these terms?
Yes, like mail carrier or postal worker.
Is postman a British term?
Yes, it's commonly used in the UK.
Do both terms imply delivering mail?
Yes, that's their primary role.
Is mailman only used in the US?
It's most common in the US.
Is postman informal in the UK?
It's both formal and colloquial.
Are these terms evolving?
Yes, towards more gender-neutral terms.
Do both handle express mail?
Yes, both can deliver express items.
Is mailman used in official terms?
Yes, but increasingly replaced by mail carrier.
Does postman imply a certain gender?
Traditionally, but it's used for all genders.
Can women be called mailmen?
Yes, though mail carrier is more neutral.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
