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

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

A policeman, glistening in cape and overalls, stood at the corner, near a pillar box.

From Number Seventeen by Tracy, Louis