junk mail

noun

1. unsolicited commercial mail or email.

junk mail

noun

1. untargeted mail advertising goods or services

Word History and Origins

Origin of junk mail¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Idioms and Phrases

Third-class mail, such as unsolicited advertisements and flyers, that is sent indiscriminately. For example, While we were on vacation the front hall filled up with junk mail . [c. 1950]

Example Sentences

Rice missed the initial notice in the mail, he said, possibly tossing out the letter thinking it was junk mail.

From Los Angeles Times

A neighbour who worked for the Post Office offered to find out why the couple had not received letters or even junk mail for months.

From BBC

Everything from newspapers and junk mail to paperboard envelopes and cardboard boxes can pile up, especially as internet shopping has exploded in popularity.

From Science Daily

She said the October lawsuit went to her junk mail folder and she never saw it.

From Seattle Times

Kit Akister initially thought the letter from Companies House was junk mail.

From BBC