inbox

American  

[in-boks] / ˈɪnˌbɒks /

Or in-box

noun

1. a boxlike tray, basket, or the like, as on a desk, for holding incoming mail, messages, or work.

2. Computers. a folder for receiving and storing incoming emails or text messages.

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inbox British  

/ ˈɪnˌbɒks /

noun

1. (on a computer) a folder in a mailbox in which incoming messages are stored and displayed

2. a US and Canadian name for in-tray

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Etymology

Origin of inbox

First recorded in 1955–60; in ( def. ) + box ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

On Feb. 10, 2025, at 7:32 a.m., the dreaded email hit my inbox.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Here is recent coverage of bullish calls in MarketWatch’s Need to Know column, which you can have waiting in your inbox each morning if you sign up for it here.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

And our Wall Street Journal inbox lit up with readers who felt strongly about that stance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

While they were figuring out how to respond, another email popped into their inbox.

From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson