post office box

American  

[pohst-aw-fis boks, of-is] / ˈpoʊstˌɔ fɪs ˌbɒks, ˌɒf ɪs /

Also P.O. box or post-office box

noun

1. a small, locked compartment, usually in a post office, into which the mail of a box renter is put to be called for. POB, P.O.B.

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post office box British  

noun

1. a private numbered place in a post office, in which letters received are kept until called for

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Etymology

Origin of post office box

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Voting by mail also presents a challenge because many reservation residents do not receive mail service at their home addresses and may use a shared post office box.

From Salon • Oct. 14, 2024

In a news release, the Sheriff’s Department thanked the post office box owner for taking a proactive approach and for not attempting to confront the suspects by herself.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

Both were for post offices, and a Kimberling City, Missouri, reference was for a post office box.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2024

Also increasing would be the cost of domestic and international postcards, one-ounce international letters, certified mail, post office box rentals, money order fees and mailing insurance.

From Washington Times • Apr. 10, 2023

My entire body was shivering by the time I finally reached the warm confines of the Mailbox, a post office box rental outlet located four blocks from the IOI plaza.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline