junk mail

American  

noun

1. unsolicited commercial mail or email.

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junk mail British  

noun

1. untargeted mail advertising goods or services

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junk mail Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of junk mail

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

junk mail

One academic who immigrated to the United States said junk mail from the retailer helped convince her that she’d really become an American.

From Salon ● Aug. 21, 2026

My email inbox is starting to resemble the mailbox at my front door: stuffed full with junk mail and promos, with an important note tucked in here and there.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 18, 2026

Nor is it a class action over $3 ATM fees that alerts consumers via junk mail.

From Slate ● Jan. 13, 2026

Rice is also concerned that, like him, many people toss out the initial citation thinking it is junk mail.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 17, 2024

I’ve seen these letters in our mailbox dozens of times before but always figured it was junk mail.

From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle