special delivery

noun

1. (in the U.S. Postal Service) delivery of mail outside the regularly scheduled hours, by a special messenger, upon the payment of an extra fee.

special delivery

noun

1. the delivery of a piece of mail outside the time of a scheduled delivery

Other Words From

• special-de·liver·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of special delivery¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

She visualized his special delivery letter, lying on her desk.

From Project Gutenberg

When Billie had finished her letter Mr. Danvers volunteered to take it over to the mainland for her and send it special delivery.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, maybe that's a special delivery letter to say our uncle and aunt have been heard from!

From Project Gutenberg

An extra fee of ten cents secures the immediate special delivery by messenger of any letter thus sent.

From Project Gutenberg

A special delivery letter had never come to their home before.

From Project Gutenberg