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lunchbox

American  
[luhnch-boks] / ˈlʌntʃˌbɒks /

noun

  1. a small container, usually of metal or plastic and with a handle, for carrying one's lunch from home to school or work.


lunchbox British  
/ ˈlʌntʃˌbɒks /

noun

  1. a container for carrying a packed lunch

  2. humorous a man's genitals

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of lunchbox

First recorded in 1860–65; lunch + box 1

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.

Lozano's laboratory develops, manufactures, and tests electrospray propulsion systems for satellites ranging in size from a lunchbox to a small carry-on suitcase.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

For generations of office workers in Mumbai, home-cooked meals have remained deeply tied to family routine, culture and dietary preferences - making the daily lunchbox an essential part of working life in the fast-paced city.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

These geeks – a term I use lovingly, for the most part – protected the notion of canon as fiercely as their lunchbox collections.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

Another of the protesters, Narwin Gil, stopped a policeman from entering the prison with his lunchbox.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Alicia, whose mama died, is sorry there is no one older to rise and make the lunchbox tortillas.

From "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros

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