Special delivery Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈspɛʃəɫ/ /dɪˈɫɪvɝi

SPESH-uhl dih-LIV-uh-ree

UK

spˈɛʃəl/ /dɪlˈɪvəɹi

spesh-uhl dil-IV-uh-ree

Definition

A type of mail service where a letter or package is delivered faster or with more care than regular mail. Sometimes, it can also mean any delivery that is out of the ordinary.

Usage & Nuances

Originally formal—refers to a paid postal service for quick delivery, now also used informally for any delivery that is unusual, important, or surprising. Common in phrases like 'This is a special delivery for you.' Not used for ordinary deliveries.

• Spanish: entrega especial
• Portuguese (BR): entrega especial
• Portuguese (PT): entrega especial
• Chinese (Simplified): 特别快递 - 特殊投递
• Chinese (Traditional): 特別快遞 - 特殊投遞
• Hindi: विशेष डिलीवरी
• Arabic: توصيل خاص
• Bengali: বিশেষ ডেলিভারি - জরুরি ডেলিভারি
• Russian: специальная доставка
• Japanese: 特別配達
• Vietnamese: giao hàng đặc biệt
• Korean: 특별 배송
• Turkish: özel teslimat
• Urdu: خصوصی ترسیل
• Indonesian: pengiriman khusus

Example Sentences

The package arrived by special delivery this morning.

basic

You must pay extra for special delivery services.

basic

She sent the letter by special delivery to make sure it arrived quickly.

basic

I wasn’t expecting a special delivery—thanks for the surprise!

natural

This cake is a special delivery for the birthday party.

natural

We got a special delivery straight from the factory—be careful opening it.

natural