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

Voters can choose to have a vote-by-mail ballot sent to the residence of a family member or friend, a post office box, or your place of employment by completing a replacement ballot request.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025

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

But there will be no price increase for post office box rentals, and postal insurance will be reduced by 10% when items are mailed, the postal service said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 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

But months later, when I had become a civilian and Delacruz had become an inmate at a medium-security prison, I wrote him a letter, with my post office box as a return address.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover