post office box

American  

[pohst-aw-fis boks, of-is] / ˈpoʊstˌɔ fɪs ˌbɒks, ˌɒf ɪs /

Also P.O. box

Or post-office box

noun

1. a small, locked compartment, usually in a post office, into which the mail of a box renter is put to be called for. POB, P.O.B.

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post office box British  

noun

1. a private numbered place in a post office, in which letters received are kept until called for

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Etymology

Origin of post office box

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Voters can choose to have a vote-by-mail ballot sent to the residence of a family member or friend, a post office box, or your place of employment by completing a replacement ballot request.

From Los Angeles Times

If a dog issue is not resolved, owners can be required to rent a Post Office box to receive mail.

From Los Angeles Times

Voting by mail also presents a challenge because many reservation residents do not receive mail service at their home addresses and may use a shared post office box.

From Salon

In a recent case, a woman in Santa Barbara County who was fed up with her mail being stolen from her post office box decided to bait the thieves and mailed herself a package containing an AirTag.

From Los Angeles Times

In a news release, the Sheriff’s Department thanked the post office box owner for taking a proactive approach and for not attempting to confront the suspects by herself.

From Los Angeles Times