mailman

Everyday

1. A mailman is a person whose job is to bring letters and parcels to homes and offices. tree →
2. Other words for the same job are mail carrier, letter carrier, postman, postwoman and postal worker. tree →

In the lessons

In maths it is a person only; the clue is in «each house» (multiply) or «shared among» (divide); sometimes he walks a distance per day. In everyday life the mailman comes on a route, puts mail in mailboxes or letter boxes, and dogs often bark at him. In stories he is a friendly neighbourhood helper.

Examples

• The mailman delivers to 40 houses. tree →
• He gives each house 3 letters. tree →
• How many letters does he deliver? tree →
• He walks 8 km a day. tree →
• The mailman brought a parcel for my birthday. tree →
• Our dog barks every time the mailman comes. tree →
• The mailman waved to us from his van. tree →
• In the UK the mailman is called the postman. tree →
• The mail carrier puts the letters in our mailbox. tree →

Note

Plural: «mailmen». «Mailman» is American; in the UK, Ireland, Australia and NZ people say «postman» or «postie». «Mail carrier» works for men and women. Maths: houses × letters each gives the total.