mail order

noun

: an order for goods that is received and filled by mail
mail-order adjective

Examples of mail order in a Sentence

You can purchase the books by mail order. The store sent out all its mail orders in time for the holiday.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
American Science and Surplus is closing its mail order warehouse and website, but the physical stores may continue under employee ownership. Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Ninety-day mail order can boost adherence and cut abandonment rates by nearly 40%. John Samuels, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Some will require that maintenance medications be ordered through a mail order pharmacy instead of at your corner pharmacy. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 The restaurant is open weekdays for breakfast and lunch only, which gives Benjamin the time to focus on making her chocolates, which are sold online by mail order and subscription. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mail order

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mail order was in 1856

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Cite this Entry

“Mail order.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mail%20order. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

mail order

noun
: an order for goods that is received and filled by mail
mail-order adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on mail order

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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