Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

chain-letter

noun

/ˈtʃeɪn ˈlɛtər/

Definition

A letter or message that requests the recipient to send copies to a number of other people, often as part of a scheme to gather money or other benefits.

Examples

She received a chain letter urging her to send it to ten friends.
Many people consider chain letters to be a nuisance.
The chain letter promised good luck if followed, but many ignored it.

Meaning

A chain letter typically involves instructions for the recipient to forward the letter to a specific number of other individuals, creating a ‘chain’ of messages.