: a rapid postal and express system that operated across the western U.S. in 1860–61 by relays of horses and riders
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebWilliam Showell, a pony express rider, is on the list, and so is Olive Osmond, mother of the famed performing group, who started the boys singing to raise money for hearing aids for her oldest two children.The Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Feb. 2022 During its long history, the Postal Service has delivered the mail by pony express, mule train, float planes, ferry boats, motorcycles, skis, hovercrafts, and pneumatic tubes. Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 2 May 2020 Prodded by anxious refugees, as well as by local residents who had relatives and friends in other parts of the world, CBers tried to set up a relay system on the lines of an electronic pony express. Nan Randall, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2018
Word History
First Known Use
1847, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
pony express
noun
often capitalized P&E
: a rapid postal system that operated across the western United States in 1860–61 by changing horses and riders along the way