/ˈpoʊsˌtmæstɚ/
Say it backA person who oversees the sorting and dispatch of mail at a post office, handling administrative duties and customer service. The term refers to a supervisory role within postal operations, typically responsible for mail processing, routing accuracy, and staff coordination. In some contexts, it can imply historical or formal usage related to a postal facility's management.
"The postmaster announced the new mail delivery schedule to the town."
"As postmaster, she implemented a more efficient sorting system."
"Visitors asked the postmaster about hold-for-pickup procedures."
Pronounce it as POSt-ma-stər, with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US 'ˈpoʊstˌmæstər', UK 'ˈpəʊstˌmɑːstə', AU 'ˈpəʊstˌmɑːstə'. Start with a rounded 'poʊ' or 'pəʊ' vowel, then 'st' cluster, followed by a clear 'master' with 'æ' in US/less elongated 'ɑː' in UK/AU. End with a light, unstressed 'ər' or 'ə' depending on accent. You’ll hear it as two main parts: post- (or poest) and master (MAH-stuh/MA-stuh).
Common errors include: misplacing stress (say-ing 'poSt-MASTER' with wrong emphasis) and confusing the 't' and 'd' timing in 'master'. Another frequent slip is reducing the 'r' at the end in non-rhotic accents. Correction tips: keep primary stress on the first syllable, pronounce 'st' clearly before the 'ma' part, ensure the 'master' has a short 'a' as in 'cat' (US) or an broader 'a' as in 'father' (UK/AU), and finish with a relaxed, schwa-like 'ər' in non-rhotic contexts.
In US English, you’ll hear /ˈpoʊstˌmæstər/ with a rhotic final 'r' and a tense diphthong in 'poʊ'. UK English uses /ˈpəʊstˌmɑːstə/ with non-rhotic 'r' and a longer, open 'ɑː' in 'master'. Australian English typically follows a non-rhotic pattern similar to UK but with a broader 'ə' in the first syllable and a more centralized 'ə' or 'ɐ' in 'master'. Awareness of rhoticity and vowel length is key for natural delivery across locales.
Difficulties include sustaining the stress contrast between 'post' and 'master' and articulating the 'st' cluster smoothly before an unstressed syllable. The 'er' at the end can reduce to a schwa in non-rhotic accents, altering sound quality. Also, the 'æ' vs 'ɑː' distinction in 'master' varies by region, which can lead to mispronunciations when switching between American and British sources.
Focus on the transition from 'st' to 'ma'—keep the tongue high and forward for the 'st' release, then drop quickly into a short 'æ' (US) or 'ɑː' (UK/AU) for 'ma'. Avoid t-voicing interference; keep 't' crisp. End with a lightly pronounced 'ər' rather than a heavy 'er' to align with rhotic versus non-rhotic norms. Practicing this transition helps the whole word feel seamless.
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The term postmaster dates back to Middle English, combining 'post' (from Latin posts, via Old French poste) meaning a mail route or station, with 'master' from Old English maister meaning someone with authority or control. In the postal system, a master of the post or post-office administrator was the person in charge at a station or depot, directing mail sorting, routing, and delivery. The modern sense emerged as organized postal services expanded in Europe and the United States in the 17th–19th centuries, where offices required a singular supervisor to ensure efficiency, security, and accountability. 'Post' itself originates from Latin statio via Old French poste, reflecting stationary service points along mail routes. Over time, 'postmaster' crystallized as a formal job title within national postal authorities, evolving with changes in mail volume, automation, and organizational structure, while still hinting at traditional, hierarchical duties associated with mail management.
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Words that rhyme with "postmaster"
-ter sounds
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