Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dead-letter
noun
/ˈdɛd ˈlɛt̬ər/
Definition
A note or message that has not been delivered because it cannot be delivered or is undeliverable.
Examples
- The post office has a special department for handling dead letters.
- After several attempts to deliver the package, it was returned as a dead letter.
Meaning
In postal services, a dead letter refers to mail that cannot be delivered to the intended recipient and cannot be returned to the sender. It typically includes items with incorrect addresses or insufficient postage.
Synonyms
- undeliverable mail
- unclaimed mail
- returned mail
