form letter

noun

1. a standardized letter that can be sent to any number of persons, occasionally personalized by inserting the name of each recipient in the salutation.

form letter

noun

1. a single copy of a letter that has been mechanically reproduced in large numbers for circulation

Word History and Origins

Origin of form letter¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

Somewhere in my attic is a form letter that The Post Magazine was sending out that summer to would-be contributors.

From Washington Post

They received a form letter saying their complaint had been dismissed because the doctor’s actions did not violate the profession’s “standard of care.”

From ProPublica

The Jacqueses cannot appeal the investigation’s outcome, or even read about it, beyond the form letter.

From ProPublica

While some publish real-time dashboards, others alert parents only with form letters when a positive case is discovered.

From ProPublica

“We received a form letter from the Office of Civil Rights and Civil liberties saying they are investigating,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

Comment:—The literature referred to by our correspondent consists of a form letter and a small pamphlet.

From Project Gutenberg

The cost of a form letter, mailed in quantities, can be gotten at with considerable accuracy.

From Project Gutenberg

Our publications and form letter methods of communication keep all members fully informed as to up-to-date news of the Society.

From Project Gutenberg

In a campaign intended to secure direct orders, the form letter takes the place of the personal salesman.

From Project Gutenberg

When a form letter is written, a record form, as shown in Fig. 21, should be started.

From Project Gutenberg