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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.
Mailman vs. Postman — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Mailman and Postman

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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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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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.

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