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 

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

Noun

Outrage shouldn’t depend on zip code. —Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

Durango saw a 35% rise in March sales, propelled by strong inventory and modest price gains, while inventory in Aurora and Centennial dropped by up to 45% in some zip codes, and prices softened by 1% to 8%. —Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 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

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

Rhymes for zip code

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad

Kids Definition

zip code

noun

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