zip code

1 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly ZIP code

plural zip codes also ZIP codes

1

: a number that identifies a particular postal delivery area in the U.S.

2

: the geographic area identified by a zip code

zip-code

2 of 2

verb

ˈzip-ˌkōd 

zip-coded; zip-coding; zip-codes

transitive verb

: to furnish with a zip code

Examples of zip code in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Chester County Residents who need temporary shelter, food and clothing during the winter can call 211 or text their zip code to 898-211 for immediate assistance. —Bill Kelly, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026

In Tarrant County, there are 14 ZIP codes considered to be child care deserts, or areas where the demand for care is at least three times greater than the supply of care. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026

Verb

Gilbert provides a unique blend of exclusivity, privacy and proximity to everything the Valley has to offer, but without the zip-code premium that comes with other luxury neighborhoods. —Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

Socioeconomic status is one factor that can limit a child’s access to the arts, but things like race and zip-code can play a role as well. —Michelle Aslam, Dallas News, 10 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

zone improvement plan

First Known Use

Noun

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zip code

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad

Kids Definition

zip code

noun

: a number that identifies each postal delivery area in the U.S.