zip code

¹

or ZIP code, Zip code

noun

1. a system used in the U.S. to facilitate the delivery of mail, consisting of a five- or nine-digit code printed directly after the address, the first five digits initial code indicating the state and post office or postal zone, the last four expanded code the box section or number, portion of a rural route, building, or other specific delivery location.

zip-code

²

or ZIP-code, Zip-code

[ zip-kohd ]

verb (used with object)

, zip-cod·ed, zip-cod·ing.

1. to provide or mark with a zip code:

   Zip-code all mail.

zip code

noun

1. the US equivalent of postcode

Word History and Origins

Origin of zip code¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1960–65, Z(one) I(mprovement) P(rogram)

Word History and Origins

Origin of zip code¹

C20: from z ( one ) i ( mprovement ) p ( lan )

Example Sentences

The bureau couldn’t provide supporting documentation showing that the flyers had been delivered in ZIP codes where the intended audience lived, the audit report said.

From Seattle Times

State health screening information available by ZIP code added more to the story by pinpointing disadvantaged areas, asthma rates and other vulnerabilities.

From Science Daily

Text “shelter” plus your ZIP code to 43362 to find the nearest shelter.

From Seattle Times

Other research has noted no impact on babies born with neural tube defects in predominately Latino ZIP codes, nor changes in folate concentrations in blood samples tested, since voluntary addition was approved.

From Seattle Times

Enter a ZIP code on the CDC dashboard to get more focus on health risks and air quality and zoom in on the weather service map online for more detailed forecasts and explanations.

From Seattle Times