zip code

NOUN

[/ˈzɪp koʊd/]

A postal code consisting of five or nine digits, used to identify a specific geographic delivery area in the United States

💡 Concept

A postal code consisting of five or nine digits, used to identify a specific geographic delivery area in the United States

🎵 Rhyme

Switch from ship mode, check the zip code for your trip code!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈzɪp koʊd/

🇬🇧 UK/ˈzɪp kəʊd/

🌳Etymology

RootZIP

Suffix-code

Origin

ZIP is an acronym for 'Zone Improvement Plan,' a postal coding system introduced by the United States Postal Service in 1963 to enhance mail delivery efficiency. The term was deliberately chosen to suggest speed and efficiency, complementing the modernization of American postal infrastructure.

Breakdown

ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan acronym) + code (a system of symbols or numbers used for identification and sorting). The acronym itself breaks into: Zone (geographic area) + Improvement (enhancement) + Plan (systematic method).

🎵Rhyme

ship modetrip codeclip load

ship mode

trip code

clip load

🔗Collocations

enter zip code

valid zip code

zip code area

incorrect zip code

zip code lookup

five-digit zip code

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“I always forget my zip code when ordering pizza online, so I wrote it on a sticky note next to my computer.”

😄 Fun example

“The dating app showed potential matches within my zip code, which was both convenient and slightly terrifying.”

“Make sure to include the correct zip code on your tax return to avoid processing delays.”

“My grandmother still writes her zip code in beautiful cursive handwriting on every envelope.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

postal codepostcodearea code

addressmaildeliverypostmanenvelopeshipping

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zip code — A postal code consisting of five or nine digits, used to identify a specific geographic delivery area in the United States

Example Sentences