blue box

American  

noun

1. an electronic device used by phone phreaks to send out signals that unlock long-distance telephone circuits.

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blue box British  

noun

1. a blue plastic container for domestic refuse that is to be collected and recycled

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Etymology

Origin of blue box

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blue box

The blue box joins a growing list of deterrents deployed by Southern California business owners and property managers who have taken matters into their own hands to address the homeless crisis.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2025

Above each ankle was an American flag of sorts, comprising red and black lines and a blue box filled with spangly stars and stripes.

From New York Times ● Feb. 24, 2024

Cantrell expected to find magazines in the blue box.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 11, 2023

The two postcard-sized notepads were left anonymously in a bag containing the original blue box the notebooks were kept in, and a plain brown envelope printed with the message: "Librarian, Happy Easter X."

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2022

The Gran passed a bright blue box with golden needles inside.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega