airmail

[air-meyl] /ˈɛərˌmeɪl/
noun
1.
the system, especially a government postal system, of sending mail by airplane.
2.
a letter, package, etc., sent by this system.
3.
a stamp authorizing delivery of mail by this system.
adjective
4.
of or pertaining to airmail.
adverb
5.
by airmail:
Send all overseas letters airmail.
verb (used with object)
6.
to send via airmail:
I airmailed the package yesterday.
Also, air-mail.
Origin
1910-15; air1 + -mail1
Examples from the web for airmail
  • Once airmail became accepted, the government transferred airmail service to private companies.
  • airmail items receive preferential customs treatment and are submitted to customs separately from surface mail.
  • Early economic regulation of airlines by the government concerned mainly their participation in the airmail system.
  • As the system of airmail routes expanded, pilots began keeping notebooks they could fit in their pockets or hold in their hand.
  • These visual landmarks or maps were fine for daytime, but airmail operated around the clock.
  • If airmail delivery is desired, additional coupons can be purchased.
  • Perishable articles or edible substances are admitted only by airmail.
British Dictionary definitions for airmail

airmail

/ˈɛəˌmeɪl/
noun
1.
the system of conveying mail by aircraft
2.
mail conveyed by aircraft
adjective
3.
of, used for, or concerned with airmail
verb
4.
(transitive) to send by airmail
Slang definitions & phrases for airmail

airmail

noun

Garbage thrown out of a window


Encyclopedia Article for airmail

letters and parcels transported by airplanes. Airmail service was initiated in 1911 in England between Hendon (northwest of London) and Windsor, to celebrate the coronation of George V. Service was irregular, however, and only 21 trips were made. Continuous regular air transport of letters between London and Paris was established in 1919, and a similar service for parcels in 1921. Other European air links soon followed. Regular airmail service in the United States was begun in 1918 between Washington, D.C., and New York City, using War Department planes and pilots. The first transcontinental airmail service was established in 1920, between San Francisco and New York City.

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