semipostal

[ sem-ee-pohs-tl, sem-ahy- ]

noun

1. a postage stamp sold by a government at a premium above its face value, the excess being used for a nonpostal purpose, as a charity.

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to such a stamp.

semipostal

/ ˌsɛmɪˈpəʊstəl /

adjective

1. philately denoting stamps where all or part of the receipts from sale are given to some charitable cause

Word History and Origins

Origin of semipostal¹

First recorded in 1925–30; semi- + postal

Example Sentences

Postal Service’s semipostal stamp program, which permits the sale of first-class stamps above the usual cost.

From Washington Post

In contrast, the breast cancer semipostal stamp that has been out since 1998 has raised $80 million for research into that disease.

From Washington Times

Customers pay the same price for postage with a semipostal stamp, but a percentage of the money goes to the cause.

From Washington Times

Last month, Congress began considering another opportunity to authorize an Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp as part of a package of bills collectively labeled Alzheimer’s Action Now.

From Washington Times

“We are so proud of Kathy and her efforts with the semipostal stamp,” Hanson said.

From Washington Times