Postage: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is best used when referring to the cost of sending letters and packages through the postal service. It can refer to the price of stamps or the service fee for sending mail.

• Make sure you put enough postage on the envelope.

This term is typically used in the context of e-commerce or when sending larger items, particularly those that might go through various methods of transportation, not just postal services. It is more comprehensive and includes all costs associated with the delivery of goods.

• Customers often complain about the shipping cost being too high.

This phrase is commonly used when discussing the charge for sending items through a mailing service. It is more general than 'postage' and can apply to various types of mailing services, including couriers.

• The mailing fee for sending the package overnight was quite high.

Very similar to 'postage,' this phrase can be used to describe the fee for postal services. It has a somewhat more formal tone and is often used in official contexts.

• Please include the postal charge when budgeting for office expenses.

General term referring to the cost or payment for sending mail.

• She paid the postage to send the package overseas
• The postage rates have increased this year

Commonly refers to postage stamps but can also mean stamps used for other purposes (e.g., rubber stamps).

• My grandmother has a collection of rare stamps
• Make sure to get some stamps before mailing those invitations

Adhesive labels used on mail to indicate the payment of postage.

• She bought some postage stamps at the post office
• The letter didn't have enough postage stamps on it

Special labels used in the collection and study of stamps, often differing from standard postage stamps.

• Philatelic labels are often used to commemorate special events or anniversaries
• He added several philatelic labels to his collection