postcode

American  

[pohst-kohd] / ˈpoʊstˌkoʊd /

noun

British.

1. an official code used by the post office, similar to the U.S. zip code, that adds numbers and letters to addresses to expedite mail delivery.

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postcode British  

/ ˈpəʊstˌkəʊd /

noun

1. Also called: postal code.  US equivalent: zip code.  a code of letters and digits used as part of a postal address to aid the sorting of mail

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Etymology

Origin of postcode

First recorded in 1965–70; post ³ + code

Example Sentences

Aylesbury MP Laura Kyrke-Smith, whose close friend took her own life after having a baby, called access a "postcode lottery" with some areas "complete deserts".

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

In Scotland, all newborns have been entitled to a box of essentials - including a mattress and sheets - regardless of parental income or postcode since 2017.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said she was deeply concerned about the "postcode lottery" faced by too many children.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

The party has also called for an end to a "postcode lottery" in childcare caused by some councils applying entitlement from the start of a school term rather than from a child's third birthday.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

On Yahoo’s front page there are news stories, tailored to your postcode or whatever—God only knows how they know my postcode, but they do.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins