What is money order? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of money order in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of money order

money ordernoun

lệnh chuyển tiền

/ˈmʌni ɔːdə(r)//ˈmʌni ɔːrdər/

Where does the word money order come from?

The term "money order" can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when the postal service in several European countries began offering a service to transfer money from one place to another. This service, initially known as a "postal money transfer" or "postal cheque," allowed individuals to send money using the postal system, providing a secure and convenient alternative to traditional methods of sending cash. The term "money order" became popular in the United States in the late 1800s, as the postal department introduced similar services under various names, including "postal money order" and "postal draft." In 1882, the term "money order" was officially adopted by the United States Postal Service, and it has been in use ever since. At its core, a money order is a type of prepaid keeper, which is used to pay for goods or services, or transferred to another person. They work by either deducting the amount owed from the money order value or by providing a receipt for the amount sent. Money orders offer a secure and convenient way to send money, as they are typically insured, and they can be cashed at many locations, including post offices, convenience stores, and other retailers. Apart from offering a safe and secure way to send money, they also prevent cash from being lost, stolen or misplaced during transit, making them a preferred choice for many people.

Example of vocabulary money ordernamespace

  • Rachel used a money order to pay her rent, as she didn't have a cheque or a debit card.
  • The Post Office assisted John in purchasing a money order to gift to his friend living in another state.
  • The company's policy strictly restricted the use of personal cheques and instead insisted on accepting money orders for any payments made.
  • The money order Erin bought for her brother's utilities bill had to be paid in cash, as she didn't want his account to get cancelled due to insufficient funds.
  • As an alternative to sending an online transfer, Jenny successfully sent a money order as a gift to her niece studying abroad.

Synonyms and related words for money order


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