Postmark: meaning, definitions and examples
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postmark
[ˈpəʊst.mɑːrk ]
Definition
mail processing
A postmark is an official mark or cancellation mark that is applied by postal services to a piece of mail. This mark indicates the date and location where the mail was processed and is often used to establish the time of mailing. It serves as proof that the item was sent, which can be important for legal or financial reasons. Postmarks can vary in design and format depending on the postal service issuing them, and some collectors seek unique or historical postmarks.
Synonyms
cancellation mark, mail mark, postal mark.
Examples of usage
- The letter had a postmark from New York.
- He framed the envelope because of its rare postmark.
- The package arrived with a faded postmark.
- She checked the postmark to confirm the mailing date.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'postmark' comes from the early 1800s, combining 'post,' meaning mail, and 'mark,' indicating a stamp or sign.
- Before the term became widely used, mail was often just marked with a handwritten date and place.
Historical Significance
- Early postmarks were important for identifying the time of mailing, which was crucial in legal matters.
- In the 19th century, different postal services established unique postmarks to represent various regions, creating a system of coded geography.
Cultural Relevance
- Postmarks can be collectible; some people enjoy finding unique or rare postmarks from around the world.
- In philately (the collection of stamps), postmarks add historical value, showing the journey of the mail.
Technology
- With the rise of digital communication, traditional postage and postmarks have diminished but live on in niche markets and collectors' interests.
- Automated postal systems use postmarking machines to ensure efficiency, with advanced technology allowing for precise date and time stamps.
Art and Literature
- Writers and poets have often used postmarks as symbols of communication and the passage of time in their works.
- Art installations sometimes incorporate postmarks as a way to discuss themes of distance and connection.
Translations
Translations of the word "postmark" in other languages:
🇵🇹 carimbo
🇮🇳 पोस्टमार्क
🇩🇪 Poststempel
🇮🇩 cap pos
🇺🇦 поштова марка
🇵🇱 znaczek pocztowy
🇯🇵 郵便印
🇫🇷 timbre postal
🇪🇸 marca postal
🇹🇷 postamark
🇰🇷 우편 날인
🇸🇦 طابع بريد
🇨🇿 poštovní razítko
🇸🇰 poštová známka
🇨🇳 邮戳
🇸🇮 poštni žig
🇮🇸 póstmerki
🇰🇿 пошталық марка
🇬🇪 ფოსტა მარკა
🇦🇿 poçt markası
🇲🇽 sello postal