Synonyms

zip code

¹ American

Or ZIP code,

noun

a system used in the U.S. to facilitate the delivery of mail, consisting of a five- or nine-digit code printed directly after the address, the first five digits initial code indicating the state and post office or postal zone, the last four expanded code the box section or number, portion of a rural route, building, or other specific delivery location.

zip-code ² American

[zip-kohd] / ˈzɪpˌkoʊd /

Or ZIP-code,

verb (used with object)

zip-coded, zip-coding

to provide or mark with a zip code.

Zip-code all mail.

zip code British

noun

the US equivalent of postcode

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of zip code

An Americanism first recorded in 1960–65, Z(one) I(mprovement) P(rogram)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But their message to homeowners who live near the mountains is the same no matter the ZIP Code: “If you live in bear country, you’ve got to secure your crawl space,” Bryant said.

From Los Angeles Times

It must be the zip code for Anchorage.

From Literature

Swirly lines and the edge of the circular seal, but the zip code is cut off.

From Literature

Camille and Emma and Andre and even Lisa-Marie Anne rush to surround me as I read the zip code aloud.

From Literature

“That’s our old zip code,” Camille whispers.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023