inbox
Americannoun
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a boxlike tray, basket, or the like, as on a desk, for holding incoming mail, messages, or work.
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Computers. a folder for receiving and storing incoming emails or text messages.
noun
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(on a computer) a folder in a mailbox in which incoming messages are stored and displayed
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a US and Canadian name for in-tray
Etymology
Origin of inbox
First recorded in 1955–60; in ( def. ) + box 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Those problems are legion, and whoever wins in November will have a towering inbox.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
Back in March, an email landed in my inbox from Irish airline Ryanair asking me if I was ready for my "next Moroccan adventure".
From BBC • May 24, 2026
Dig through that stack of mail on your counter for circulars and search your email inbox for any grocery-store brand names to scope out advertised deals.
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
You can share your thoughts at [email protected] or, if you’re reading this in your inbox, by just hitting reply.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
“I want that report in my inbox tonight,” Dad says.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
