postcard

IPA/ˈpəʊstkɑːd/
KK[pˈostkˌɑrd]IPA/ˈpəʊstkɑːrd/

postcard — noun

  • postcardsingular
  • postcardsplural

1. a card used to mail a short message on its own, usually with a photo or drawing

1.nounA2
Definition

a card used to mail a short message on its own, usually with a photo or drawing on one side

Example

Nina sent her parents a postcard from Kyoto on the second day.

collocation: send someone a postcard

A bright beach photo filled the front of the postcard.

picture on one side of the card

Common collocations
  • send a postcard
  • write a postcard
  • buy a postcard
  • postcard from Rome
  • picture postcard
Synonyms
  • postal card

    more formal term, sometimes used for plain official mailing cards

  • picture postcard

    stresses the scenic or attractive image on the card

  • card

    much broader word that only works when the mailing meaning is already clear

Grammar Patterns

send someone a postcard

write a postcard to [person]

postcard from [place]

Usage Note

Usually refers to a short, open piece of mail, often bought while travelling. Distinguish from a letter, which normally goes in an envelope and can carry a longer or more private message.

Common Mistakes

I bought a postcard for Emma's birthday.
I bought a birthday card for Emma.
a postcard is mainly for mailing a short message, often with a travel picture, not for a birthday greeting.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

For noun sense 1, a postcard is an open card for a short message, often with a travel photo or drawing on it. A letter is more private and usually goes inside an envelope, so it suits longer news. A greeting card is used for occasions such as birthdays or holidays and is chosen for the message of celebration rather than for a place picture. Picture postcard is a close match, but it puts extra attention on the image. Postal card is more formal and can also refer to a plain card sold for mailing. You send a postcard from Taipei, but you write a letter when you need more space.

letter ↗greeting cardpicture postcardpostal card

Common collocations

Nouns

  • postcard rack
  • postcard stand
  • postcard stamp

Phrases

  • send a postcard
  • write a postcard
  • pick up a postcard
  • post a postcard

Prepositions

Etymology

English

Postcard is a compound formed in English from post and card. It appeared in the 19th century after postal systems began allowing people to send short written messages on a single card instead of placing them inside an envelope.

First known use

1869

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Adjective