pillar box

American  

noun

British.

1. a pillarlike box in which letters are deposited for collection by mail carriers; mailbox.

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pillar box British  

noun

1. (in Britain) a red pillar-shaped public letter box situated on a pavement

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adjective

1. characteristic of a pillar box (in the phrase pillar-box red )

Etymology

Origin of pillar box

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

In an interview with historian Brian Harrison in the 1970s, Jessie recalled the so-called "pillar box outrages" were planned "with military precision."

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2025

In the film, we see Edelsytn dropping the letters into a pillar box.

From The Guardian • Sep. 15, 2020

Meanwhile in Leeds, suburban warfare still smoulders over the golden pillar box in honour of the triathlon winner Alistair Brownlee.

From The Guardian • Aug. 14, 2012

Did you know that he invented the red pillar box?

From Salon • Jun. 25, 2012

She was glad when it was finished, more glad still when they had strolled down to the pillar box outside the gates, and dropped the envelope in it.

From People of Position by Boehm, H. Richard