mail-order
UK: ˈmeɪl ɔːdə | US: ˈmeɪl ɔːrdər
adj. relating to the purchase of goods or services by mail, typically from a catalog or advertisement.
n. a system or transaction in which goods are ordered by mail.
The term "mail-order" emerged in the late 19th century, combining "mail" (from Old French "male," meaning "bag" or "traveling bag," later associated with postal delivery) and "order" (from Latin "ordinare," meaning "to arrange"). It reflects the commercial practice of requesting products via postal correspondence, popularized by catalogs and early e-commerce precursors. The morphemes retain their original meanings, emphasizing the logistical method of purchasing.
She prefers mail-order shopping for rare books.
The company revolutionized retail with its mail-order catalog.
Mail-order brides were a controversial practice in the 20th century.
They launched a successful mail-order subscription service.
Before online stores, mail-order was the primary remote shopping method.