Courrier

Courrier is a term of French origin that refers to mail and the systems and individuals involved in sending and delivering messages and parcels. In general usage, it denotes physical mail sent through a postal service—letters, postcards, and parcels—as well as the inboxes or mailboxes that receive it. When used as a service, courrier or courier describes expedited delivery provided by private companies or national networks and by the person who carries items, a courrier or courier.

Etymology and history: The word derives from Old French courrier, from Late Latin currarius “runner,” from currere “to run.” Organized courier networks developed with medieval and early modern postal systems, culminating in national postal administrations such as France’s La Poste and analogous services elsewhere.

Modern use: Physical mail is sorted, routed, and delivered to addresses; tracking numbers enable monitoring of status. International shipments may require customs clearance and differ in cost according to weight, size, distance, and service level. Courrier services also include express, insured, and time-guaranteed options.

Electronic mail note: In French, electronic mail is typically called courrier électronique or courriel, and is distinct from traditional courrier referring to physical mail. The term courrier may appear in some contexts to indicate email, but usage varies by country and setting.