letterbox

American  

[let-er-boks] / ˈlɛt ərˌbɒks /

noun

1. Chiefly British. Also letter box a public or private mailbox.

2. Digital Technology, Television. a technique for displaying a wide-screen film or landscape video on a narrower screen by reducing its size but retaining the aspect ratio, with black bands filling the screen above and below the picture (often used attributively).

   letterbox videos.

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verb (used with object)

1. Digital Technology, Television. to display (a film or video) by using the letterbox technique.

Etymology

Origin of letterbox

First recorded in 1765–75; letter ¹ ( def. ) + box ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

He told the court that, on one occasion, protestors put flares through HKETO's letterbox.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Engebretsen said he was initially suspicious of the letter informing him of his honour when it dropped through the letterbox.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

You can cover external keyholes and add a flap or brush to your letterbox, or hang a door curtain.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

William Newbury, 22, said he was dropping off baby presents to a friend at her boyfriend's house in Llanrumney, Cardiff, on Mother's Day when he saw the "nightmare" attack through their letterbox.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2025

We went on standing in front of the door of the suite, and I noticed that the daily paper was still thrust through the letterbox.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier