zip code
noun/ˈzɪp kəʊd/
/ˈzɪp kəʊd/
(also ZIP code)
- (in the US) a group of numbers that are used as part of an address so that mail can be separated into groups and delivered more quickly see also postcodeWord Origin1960s: Zip, acronym from zone improvement plan.
CultureZIP is an abbreviation for the ‘Zone Improvement Plan’, a system introduced by the US Postal Service in 1963. The word ‘zip’ also suggests speed, because the numbers help mail to be delivered quickly. ZIP codes have five numbers. ZIP+4 Codes have five numbers and another four numbers separated by a hyphen, for example NY 10016-4314, and show a place within a certain ZIP code. compare postal district
See zip code in the Oxford Advanced American DictionaryCheck pronunciation:
zip code