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

Cornish isn’t sure why the marriage certificate was hidden, although she suspects that since safe-deposit boxes were not common back then, a picture frame would have been a good place to preserve important documents.

From Washington Post

Conspiracy theories, death plots, and a mysterious Federal Reserve safe-deposit box feature prominently.

From The Daily Beast

She had taken her gems from their prison in the safe-deposit box in the Trust Company cellar.

From Project Gutenberg

But in the meantime, it will repose in the safe deposit box along with your others and with those of our great President.

From Project Gutenberg

Also he wanted from his safe-deposit box enough A1 collateral to secure loans of twenty and thirty thousand, respectively.

From Project Gutenberg

Presently we had a deed in the safe-deposit box and some notes in the bank to prove it.

From Project Gutenberg

The key of a safe deposit box, not Mr. Pembroke's own, but belonging to a woman!

From Project Gutenberg