Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container for something to be mailed: A mailer is a protective envelope, box, or tube designed specifically to hold items for safe shipment through the postal service.
   • An advertisement that is sent by mail: A mailer refers to a piece of promotional material, such as a flyer, brochure, or catalog, that is distributed directly to potential customers via postal mail.
   • A person who mails something: A mailer is an individual or entity that sends items through the mail.
   • A proper noun (United States writer): Mailer (Norman Mailer) was a prominent American novelist, journalist, and playwright.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Container):
  • Please place the documents in a sturdy mailer before dropping them off at the post office.
  • The company uses biodegradable mailers for all its product shipments.
• Noun (Advertisement):
  • We received a colorful mailer from the new furniture store in town.
  • The marketing team is designing a direct mailer to promote the summer sale.
• Noun (Person):
  • As a frequent mailer of packages, she is familiar with all the postal rates.
  • The organization is the largest mailer of charitable appeals in the region.

Advanced Usage

• "Self-mailer": A promotional piece that is designed to be mailed without an envelope; the advertisement itself is folded and sealed to form its own mailing unit.
  • The concert flyer was printed as a self-mailer to save on production costs.
• "Bulk mailer": An individual or business that sends out large quantities of mail, often at a discounted postal rate.
  • The publishing company qualifies as a bulk mailer due to its high volume of magazine distributions.

Variants and Related Words

• Mailing (n): The act of sending something by mail; a batch of items sent at one time.
  • The next mailing is scheduled for Friday.
• Mail (n/v): Letters and packages conveyed by the postal system; to send something by mail.
• Mail-in (adj/n): Designed to be returned by mail; a response or entry submitted by mail.
  • Please complete the mail-in rebate form.

Synonyms

• Sender (for a person who mails).
• Direct mail or circular (for an advertisement sent by mail).
• Shipping envelope or mailing tube (for a container).

Related Phrases

• First-class mailer: Refers to a person or item sent using first-class postal service, which is typically faster.
  • Important documents should be sent as a first-class mailer.
• Third-class mailer: Often refers to bulk advertising mail sent at a lower postal rate.
  • Most promotional catalogs are sent as third-class mailers.

Noun

1. a container for something to be mailed
2. an advertisement that is sent by mail
3. a person who mails something
4. United States writer (born in 1923)