mailbox

See also: Mailbox, mail-box, and mail box

English

Example of mailboxes (sense 1.1).

USPS mailboxes.

Examples of mailboxes (sense 1.2).

Alternative forms

• mail-box, mail box

Etymology

From mail +‎ box.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmeɪl.bɑks/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

Noun

mailbox (plural mailboxes)

1. (chiefly US) A box into which mail is placed.
   1. A collection point for mail intended for onward delivery, a secure box or receptacle for this purpose.
      • 2018, Tayari Jones, An American Marriage, Oneworld Publications, page 264:

        She waved back, placed a stack of envelopes in her mailbox, and lifted the red flag.

      Synonym: (UK) letterbox

      Synonyms: (US) USPS blue box, blue box

      Synonym: collection box

      Coordinate term: outbox

   2. A delivery point for mail, a box, compartment or slot for this purpose.

      Synonym: (UK) letterbox

      Coordinate term: inbox

      Hyponym: post office box

2. (computing) A folder or account for the storage of email; an electronic inbox or mailstore.

Synonyms

• post box, post-box, postbox

Derived terms

• collection mailbox
• e-mailbox
• mailbox company
• mailbox rule
• voice mailbox

Related terms

• post office box
• voicemailbox

Translations

collection point for mail intended for onward delivery — see letterbox

delivery point for mail — see letterbox

folder or account for the storage of email — see inbox

Anagrams

• xilobam