form letter

noun

1

: a letter on a subject of frequent recurrence that can be sent to different people without essential change except in the address

2

: a letter for mass circulation that is printed in many copies and has a very general salutation (such as Dear Friend)

Examples of form letter in a Sentence

The bank sent out thousands of form letters offering its credit card.

Recent Examples on the Web

The language in the form letter also sounded like the language in every form letter ever. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2026

Bonta asked him to bring some samples of kinder, gentler form letters the city could consider adapting. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026

The judge barred the agencies from revoking funds using form letters that didn’t include an explanation specific to the grant at stake, or because of Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders. —Felicia Mello, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026

Be specific Too many job ads read like form letters, full of generalities and corporate-speak. —Kat Boogaard, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for form letter

• abettor
• newsletter
• typesetter
• better
• bettor
• debtor
• fetter
• getter
• netter
• petter
• rhetor
• setter