Definition

A woman who manages and oversees the activities of a local post office.

Example

The postmistress greeted each customer with a smile as they entered the post office.

Conversation

Did you know our town has a new postmistress?

Really? I didn’t hear about that!

Yeah, I think it’s exciting to have a woman in charge of the post office.

Absolutely! I hope she brings some fresh ideas.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Postmistress → It is formed from "post" (from Latin *postis*, meaning door or post) and "mistress" (from Old French *maistresse*, meaning female master or head). The word refers to a woman who is in charge of a post office or postal service.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'post' as a place where mail is handled and 'mistress' as a female leader — a postmistress is a woman who leads the postal service.

Visually Confused Words