letterbox

American  

[let-er-boks] / ˈlɛt ərˌbɒks /

noun

1. Chiefly British. Also letter box a public or private mailbox.

2. Digital Technology, Television. a technique for displaying a wide-screen film or landscape video on a narrower screen by reducing its size but retaining the aspect ratio, with black bands filling the screen above and below the picture (often used attributively).

   letterbox videos.

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verb (used with object)

1. Digital Technology, Television. to display (a film or video) by using the letterbox technique.

Etymology

Origin of letterbox

First recorded in 1765–75; letter ¹ ( def. ) + box ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Engebretsen said he was initially suspicious of the letter informing him of his honour when it dropped through the letterbox.

From BBC

And despite the hundreds of cards passing through her letterbox everyday, Clare plans to thank each person individually.

From BBC

You can cover external keyholes and add a flap or brush to your letterbox, or hang a door curtain.

From BBC

Both take cash - the honesty box has envelopes and a letterbox for change.

From BBC

"The door must have been locked or broken as I couldn't get in, but I tried banging on the door and shouting through the letterbox to try and distract the dog."

From BBC