blue box

American  

noun

1. an electronic device used by phone phreaks to send out signals that unlock long-distance telephone circuits.

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blue box British  

noun

1. a blue plastic container for domestic refuse that is to be collected and recycled

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Etymology

Origin of blue box

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blue box

“Will they keep the theme tune? Will they lose the blue box? Will they bring back the Drahvin?! It’s all up for grabs, which is so Doctor Who, exciting and unpredictable and new!”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026

Above each ankle was an American flag of sorts, comprising red and black lines and a blue box filled with spangly stars and stripes.

From New York Times ● Feb. 24, 2024

Cantrell expected to find magazines in the blue box.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 11, 2023

People at the library quickly recognized the blue box that the notebooks had been stored in.

From NewsForKids.net ● Apr. 7, 2022

“Got it,” she said as she carefully pulled down a pale blue box, its color faded with age.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti