Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
LISTSERV

LISTSERV

1 5.8
A service that sends emails to a group of people
  • noun
  • /ˈlɪstˌsɜrv/
  • Texting
translation icon : LISTSERV
  • There are also numerous anecdotal reports shared by parents of gifted children on various ListServs, as well as conversations among practitioners.

Examples

  • Baby Talk is a free, one-way listserv that is distributed every other week.

    Blog text (13)

  • The discussion was processed by Listserv software, which also created an automatic archive of all the messages.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Weeks later, I post "Incident" on our Listserv and ask them to respond with their reactions.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The principal American Studies ListServ is located at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The folks who use listservs definitely learn from one another.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Participants were recruited within the university and community via posters and the university's listserv.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Participants were recruited through an open electronic invitation that was sent out over the NACCE member listserv.

    Academic text (2012)

  • A month before the 1996-97 academic year began, I searched educational ListServs to find other teachers to participate, starting with EDTECH.

    Academic text (1998)

  • For example, a member of the H-AfrArts Listserv (an e-mail-based discussion forum) recently requested information about the mermaid-like spirit Mami Wata.

    Academic text (1999)

  • I received important updates about community events through my local Listserv.

Synonyms

mailing list
vsLISTSERV
52 2.7

A list of names and addresses used to send news or offers to many people

is the service that organizes and sends to those addresses
mailer
vsLISTSERV
  • Texting
2 3.9

A program that sends mass emails like newsletters to many people

manages recipient lists and also sends messages
emailer
vsLISTSERV
  • Texting
1 3.2

A person or computer program that sends email messages

focuses on managing and sending group messages rather than single senders

Surface Forms

LISTSERV singular
LISTSERVs plural

Morphology

LISTSERV = list + server (semi-transparent) = list + serv

Formally a blend of 'list' + clipped 'server' (brand name/technical term), so learners can infer a relation to lists and a service/server but the clipped element and trademarked form may be confusing.

Etymology

LISTSERV combines list ('a group of email addresses') and serv (short for 'service' or 'serve', 'to send'). A LISTSERV is a tool that 'serves' messages to everyone on a list, so the name explains what it does.