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

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

According to Turning Tides the former estate agent, from Worthing, West Sussex, had about 80,000 requests in his inbox.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Audit your inbox: Search your email for the words “sale” or “deal” and unsubscribe from the five retailers you shop at the most.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

For Handirk von Ungern-Sternberg, it started with an email that dropped into his inbox in February 2021.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

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

From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson