mailbox

[meyl-boks]

noun

1. a public box in which mail is placed for pickup and delivery by the post office.

2. a private box, as at a home, into which mail is delivered by the mail carrier.

3. Computers.,  a file for storing electronic mail.

mailbox

/ ˈmeɪlˌbɒks /

noun

1. 1. a slot, usually covered with a hinged flap, through which letters, etc are delivered to a building

   2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): letter box. a private box into which letters, etc, are delivered

2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): postbox. a public box into which letters, etc, are put for collection and delivery

3. (on a computer) the directory in which e-mail messages are stored; also used of the icon that can be clicked to provide access to e-mails

Word History and Origins

Origin of mailbox¹

First recorded in 1800–10; mail ¹ + box ¹

Example Sentences

The Times identified hundreds of records detailing other sellers with names that appear to be fake or addresses that go to unaffiliated businesses, shopping centers and commercial mailbox offices.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The changes Lightbound unveiled that sparked the sudden strike call include the end of door-to-door letter-mail delivery, to be replaced by the use of community mailboxes.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The votes of Californians who drop their ballots in mailboxes on Nov. 4 may not be counted because of U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Put the envelope in your mailbox, give it to your mail carrier or take it to the post office.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One significant proposal will be ending home deliveries, which will see parcels delivered to community mailboxes instead of in front of people's doors.

Read more on BBC