inbox

American  

[in-boks] / ˈɪnˌbɒks /

Or in-box

noun

• inboxes
  plural

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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• inboxes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of inbox

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inbox inboxes

Since June, Stahl’s email inbox and LinkedIn messages have been filling up with unsolicited job opportunities.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 5, 2026

We’re taking Labor Day off, so I’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday.

From Slate ● Sep. 4, 2026

"It's about trying to build momentum, because I think sometimes it can just feel overwhelming when you've got a massive inbox," she says.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

You can sign up to have it waiting in your inbox.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 21, 2026

I started checking my inbox constantly for an email to come in.

From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks

The admin emails to which Microsoft sent those notifications tend to get slammed with junk from spammers, leading software developers to recommend ignoring those inboxes altogether.

From Slate ● Aug. 18, 2026

Altadena residents have flooded the inboxes and voicemails of state and local lawmakers, hoping the bill passes its first hurdle Wednesday when it’s up for a vote by two committees.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

We’ll be back in your inboxes on Monday night.

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026

Authorities can then trawl through phones and inboxes for correspondence or anything else.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026

Not long after these exchanges with reporters, a statement appeared in our inboxes from the government.

From BBC ● Mar. 18, 2026