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

“Will they keep the theme tune? Will they lose the blue box? Will they bring back the Drahvin?! It’s all up for grabs, which is so Doctor Who, exciting and unpredictable and new!”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Cantrell expected to find magazines in the blue box.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 11, 2023

Tamarah Logan, a 56-year-old writer in Los Angeles, was shopping at Walmart last month when she spotted the blue box of Sweet Dreams with the tagline, “part of a healthy sleep routine.”

From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2023

If you have to use a blue box, drop in the check before the day’s last scheduled pickup so it doesn’t sit in the box overnight.

From New York Times • Mar. 10, 2023

Week after week, wherever he went—be it chess club, restaurant, cafeteria, or billiard parlor—there was the blue box.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady