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

See Examples For:

pillar box

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

Did you know that he invented the red pillar box?

From Salon ● Jun. 25, 2012

"Perhaps I will change one person's mind today," I thought proudly as I walked to the pillar box.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 30, 2011

It cost her a great pang thus to give up her part in the festival, but once the irrevocable step was taken, and the letter in the pillar box, she felt much better.

From A Pair of Schoolgirls A Story of School Days by Angela Brazil