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

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

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

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

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

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

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

Many adoptive parents agree the current "letterbox" system of contact is not effective.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2024

But it occurs to me that I’ve never seen the real Adam Tok—just the letterbox view from the top of the eyebrows to the bottom of the lower lip.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman