mailbox

American  

[meyl-boks] / ˈmeɪlˌbɒks /

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.

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mailbox British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of mailbox

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

Example Sentences

“We don’t want anyone to just toss it into the mailbox as we have been able to do in the past and have it counted,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

A fair share of nasty feedback lands in my mailbox, so I wondered if the auto-response tool could come in handy.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

So mail that is never even transported from the post office to the mailbox is still “miscarried.”

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

He ignored questions both times and did not respond to a letter left in his mailbox.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

Dust and bits of dead grass flew everywhere and until I figured out the steering, the mailbox, my mother’s flowers near the front step and a small bush were in danger.

From "Lawn Boy" by Gary Paulsen