light box

American  

noun

1. a boxlike object having a uniformly lighted surface, as of ground glass, against which films or transparencies can be held for examination.

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light box British  

noun

1. a light source contained in a box and covered with a diffuser, used for viewing photographic transparencies, negatives, etc

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Etymology

Origin of light box

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

If it’s too dark when you get up, especially in the winter, use a light box or an alarm clock like the Hatch Restore 3, which slowly lights up to ease you out of slumber.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Nearby, another series of light box works appears on the station’s concourse, this installation by Samira Yamin.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2023

My favorite thing to do was to look through the loupe at slides on the light box.

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2023

The ball-control offense gave defenders plenty of rest, and when they were on the field, they were tenacious, stopping the run with a light box and using more defenders in coverage to limit explosive plays.

From Washington Post • Dec. 29, 2022

The moment I held the still-wet negative against the light box, I knew we had it.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson