Definition

Noun: A mailing list is a collection of names and physical or electronic addresses used to distribute information, announcements, or advertising material to a group of people. It is a tool for one-to-many communication, commonly used by organizations, businesses, and communities.

Usage

A mailing list is used to manage group communications. Subscribers join the list to receive messages sent to the list's address. It is a standard tool for newsletters, updates, and promotional campaigns. - Primary Function: To facilitate the distribution of information to a predefined group of recipients.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Electronic Mailing List: Often managed via specialized software or services (e.g., Mailchimp, Google Groups) that automate subscription management and message distribution. These can be one-way (announcement-only) or two-way (discussion lists where all subscribers can post).
• Opt-in List: A mailing list where individuals have explicitly given permission to receive messages, which is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions for commercial email.

Variants and Related Words

• Distribution List: A similar list, often used within an organization's email system to send messages to a defined group of internal members.
• Listserv: A trademarked term often used generically to refer to software that manages electronic mailing lists.
• Newsletter: A type of periodic publication often distributed via a mailing list.

Synonyms

• Contact list
• Address list
• Subscriber list

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To be on a mailing list: To be a subscriber.
  • I've been on their mailing list for years.
• To be removed from a mailing list: To unsubscribe.
  • I clicked the link to be removed from the mailing list.
• To manage/maintain a mailing list: To be responsible for its operation.
  • Her job is to maintain the company's customer mailing list.

Noun

1. a list of names and addresses to which advertising material is mailed