Philately is the study of postage stamps, postal history, and other materials related to postal delivery. It also refers to the collection and appreciation of stamps and other philatelic products. The term "philately" was coined by Georges Herpin in 1864, who invented it from the Greek "philos," meaning "love," and "ateleia," meaning "that which is tax-free". The first postage stamps for the prepayment of letter postage were issued in England in 1840. Philately did not gain large attraction until the mid-1850s.

A philatelist is a specialist in philately, someone who collects or studies stamps. While closely associated with stamp collecting and the study of postage, it is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps. For instance, the stamps being studied may be very rare or reside only in museums.

In summary, philately is the study of postage stamps, postal history, and other materials related to postal delivery, as well as the collection and appreciation of stamps and other philatelic products.