postcard

post-card · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A card for sending messages by mail without an envelope, typically having a photograph or decorative design on one side.

  2. 2.

    A standard-sized piece of card stock used for mailing brief messages.

Forms

plural: postcards

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    picture postcard — a postcard featuring a scenic photograph, often idealized
  • •
    postcard-perfect — looking as beautiful or ideal as a postcard image
  • •
    drop someone a postcard — send someone a brief message while traveling

Related words

See also: card, correspondence, letter, mail
Synonyms: card, greeting card

Etymology

A compound word formed in English from post (meaning "mail") and card. First used in the mid-19th century when postal services began offering this format for inexpensive correspondence.