mailshot
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈmeɪlʃɒt/
KK: /ˈmeɪlʃɒt/
noun
Definition
A type of advertising that is sent in large quantities through the mail to promote a product or service.
Example
The company decided to send out a mailshot to reach more potential customers.
Conversation
Did you receive that mailshot from the new restaurant downtown?
Yeah, I saw it in my mailbox yesterday.
I heard they have some great deals if you sign up through that mailshot.
I might give it a try, the food looks amazing!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
flyer
brochure
circular
Antonyms
letter
package
parcel
verb
Definition
To send a large number of advertisements or promotional materials to people through the mail.
Example
The company decided to mailshot their new product to potential customers.
Tense Forms
Past: mailshotted
Past Participle: mailshotted
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how effective a mailshot can be for promoting a business?
I haven't really considered it, but it sounds interesting.
Yeah, I read it can reach a lot of potential customers at once.
Root Explanation
Mailshot → The word is formed from "mail" (from Old French *male*, meaning bag or pouch) and "shot" (from Old English *sceot*, meaning to shoot or send). A mailshot refers to a mass distribution of mail or promotional material sent out to a large number of recipients.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bag' ('mail') being 'sent out' ('shot') to many people — that's what a mailshot means.
Visually Confused Words
hailshot
manihot