zip code

1 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly ZIP code
plural zip codes also ZIP codes
1
: a number that identifies a particular postal delivery area in the U.S.
2
: the geographic area identified by a zip code

zip-code

2 of 2

verb

ˈzip-ˌkōd How to pronounce zip-code (audio)
zip-coded; zip-coding; zip-codes

transitive verb

: to furnish with a zip code

Examples of zip code in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Emails filed as an exhibit in Doe’s case show that a lawyer representing the Syracuse Police Department suggested that Stengel focus his search on that ZIP code. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 28 Aug. 2026 In 2026, the list includes zip codes tied to some of the largest metro areas in the Midwest and Northeast—New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit—underscoring how much appeal big city-adjacent living holds for buyers. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Endless waiting lists, a shortage of local specialists, and zip-code lotteries can leave families waiting for extended periods, even when neurodivergent flags fly high. — K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2026 Health coverage should not be a zip-code lottery. — Jesse Jackson Jr, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zip code

Word History

Etymology

Noun

zone improvement plan

First Known Use

Noun

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zip code was in 1962

Rhymes for zip code

See All Rhymes for zip code

Browse Nearby Words

Zipaquirá
zip code
zip-code
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zip code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zip%20code. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

zip code

noun
: a number that identifies each postal delivery area in the U.S.

More from Merriam-Webster on zip code

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zip code

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All