mailbox

[meyl-boks]

noun

1. a public box in which mail is placed for pickup and delivery by the post office.

2. a private box, as at a home, into which mail is delivered by the mail carrier.

3. Computers.,  a file for storing electronic mail.

mailbox

/ ˈmeɪlˌbɒks /

noun

1. 1. a slot, usually covered with a hinged flap, through which letters, etc are delivered to a building

   2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): letter box. a private box into which letters, etc, are delivered

2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): postbox. a public box into which letters, etc, are put for collection and delivery

3. (on a computer) the directory in which e-mail messages are stored; also used of the icon that can be clicked to provide access to e-mails

Word History and Origins

Origin of mailbox¹

First recorded in 1800–10; mail ¹ + box ¹

Example Sentences

The auxiliary’s Facebook page also encouraged residents to hang blue ribbons outside homes, mailboxes, fences and porches—“for our hometown soldier.”

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Newcomb said he’ll scan for deals at BJ’s Wholesale Club and Market Basket, while keeping his eye on fliers that land in his mailbox.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The government began sliding the orange booklet under doors and into mailboxes this week to raise awareness about potential dangers, but critics have branded it a waste of taxpayers' money.

Read more on Barron's

I see something in its eyes, the same caged look that the neighborhood stray cats get when Ma catches them clawing up our mailbox.

Read more on Literature

The item exploded as letters and parcels were being collected from the office mailbox, the regional government said in a statement.

Read more on Barron's