Definition

Verb (transitive): To send something to multiple recipients through the postal service or electronic mail. It implies a distribution from a central source to a list of addresses.

Usage

The verb "mail out" is used when describing the action of dispatching physical items (like letters, catalogs, or packages) or sometimes digital communications to a group of people. It often carries a sense of systematic distribution. - The direct object (what is sent) follows the verb. - Recipients are typically indicated with "to" or are implied by the context.

Examples

• The nonprofit mails out thank-you letters to every donor.
• We need to mail out these invitations by Friday.
• The software update notification was mailed out to all users automatically.

Advanced Usage

• "to mail something out to someone": This is the standard construction.
  • The university mails out acceptance letters to successful applicants every spring.
• The phrasal verb can be separated: "mail the brochures out" is equivalent to "mail out the brochures."

Variants and Related Words

• Mailing (n): The batch of items being sent out.
  • The charity's annual fundraising mailing goes out in November.
• Mailer (n): A person or company that mails things, or a container for mailing.
• Mass mailing / Bulk mailing (n): The act of mailing out a large quantity of identical items.

Synonyms

• Distribute by mail
• Send out
• Dispatch (more general, not exclusively by mail)
• Circulate (can imply distribution within a group, not necessarily by mail)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Send out: A more general synonym that can apply to mail, emails, or signals.
  • They sent out a press release to all major news outlets.
• Ship out: Typically used for sending packages or goods, especially in commerce.
  • The warehouse ships out hundreds of orders daily.

Related Idioms

No specific idioms are directly formed with "mail out." The action is typically described literally.

Verb

1. transmit by mail
   • The company mailed out the catalog to all potential customers