Mailing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mailing
[ˈmeɪlɪŋ ]
Definitions
postal system
Mailing refers to the process of sending letters, packages, or other items through the postal system. It involves the preparation and delivery of correspondence and can also include the use of mailing lists for marketing purposes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I received a mailing from the charity asking for donations.
- The company specializes in bulk mailing for businesses.
- She sorted the mailing into different categories before sending them out.
sending mail
To mail something means to send it through the postal service. This can apply to letters, packages, or any item that can be sent by post.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Please mail the documents as soon as possible.
- I will mail you a copy of the report.
- Have you mailed the birthday card yet?
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Developments
- The first postal system in the world was established in Persia around 550 BC, using horses to deliver messages quickly.
- The United States Postal Service was founded in 1775, making it one of the earliest federal institutions in America.
- In the 19th century, mailing systems became extremely organized with the introduction of postage stamps, revolutionizing how people sent letters.
Cultural Impact
- Mailing has played a crucial role in maintaining communication, especially during wartime, bridging the gap between loved ones.
- The concept of sending 'love letters' has been a romantic tradition, symbolizing deep emotional connections.
- In the digital age, mailing has evolved, with services adapting to handle packages and letters, alongside emails and messaging apps.
Science and Technology
- Modern mailing systems now use sophisticated logistics and tracking technologies to ensure timely deliveries.
- Drones are being tested for mailing small packages, showcasing advancements in delivery methods that could reshape the industry.
- Environmental concerns have prompted mailing companies to explore sustainable packaging solutions to reduce waste.
Literature and Arts
- Classic literature often features letters as a plot device, revealing characters' thoughts and secrets, such as in 'Pride and Prejudice'.
- In contemporary art, mailing has been used as a medium, with artists addressing social issues through mailed art pieces.
- Postcard painting emerged as an art form, where artists sent their creations through the mail, combining visual art with correspondence.
Origin of 'mailing'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'mail' derives from the Old French word 'male', meaning a bag or a sack.
- In Middle English, 'mail' referred to a suitcase or wallet used for carrying documents, before transitioning to its current meaning.
- The concept of mailing has roots dating back to ancient civilizations, where messages were delivered on animal backs or by couriers.
The word 'mailing' is derived from the Old English term 'mal', meaning 'message' or 'thing sent'. Its evolution saw it being adopted into Middle English as 'male', which encompassed anything that could be sent via the postal system. The modern usage of 'mail' dates back to the 16th century, when postal services became more organized, particularly with the establishment of postal systems in Europe. The term 'mailing' as a specific reference to the act of sending items through these systems became common in the 19th century, paralleling the growth of mass communication and advertising. With advancements in technology and the rise of direct mail marketing in the 20th century, 'mailing' took on additional meanings, referring specifically to the mass distribution of promotional materials. Today, it retains these meanings while also adapting to digital contexts, where 'mail' can refer to electronic correspondence.