safe-deposit box

Or safety-deposit box

noun

1. a lockable metal box or drawer, especially in a bank vault, used for safely storing valuable papers, jewelry, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of safe-deposit box¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

In previous years, schemes touting investors’ ability to hold IRA-designated gold at home or in a safe-deposit box left customers with six-figure tax bills.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They are more likely in that jar of change your grandfather kept, or in your mother’s safe-deposit box.

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The hush money caught the attention of the federal authorities, leading them in April 2018 to search Cohen’s home and office; a hotel room where he was staying; and a safe-deposit box.

Read more on Seattle Times

A couple of years ago, Doar did a search of unclaimed money from the government and discovered his now deceased mother had a safe-deposit box.

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Don’t put the will or other important documents in a safe-deposit box.

Read more on Washington Post