mail-order

[ meyl-awr-der ]
/ ˈmeɪlˌɔr dər /

adjective

pertaining to or obtained by mail order: a dozen mail-order rosebushes.

verb (used with object)

to order (merchandise) by mail: to mail-order fruitcakes for Christmas.

Origin of mail-order

First recorded in 1865–70

Definition for mail-order (2 of 2)

mail order

noun

an order for goods received or shipped through the mail.
the business of selling merchandise through the mail.

Origin of mail order

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example sentences from the Web for mail-order

British Dictionary definitions for mail-order

mail order

noun

an order for merchandise sent by post
  1. a system of buying and selling merchandise through the post
  2. (as modifier)a mail-order firm