mailbox

[ meyl-boks ]

noun

1. a public box in which mail is placed for pickup and delivery by the post office.
2. a private box, as at a home, into which mail is delivered by the mail carrier.
3. Computers. a file for storing electronic mail.

mailbox

/ ˈmeɪlˌbɒks /

noun

1. 1. a slot, usually covered with a hinged flap, through which letters, etc are delivered to a building
   2. a private box into which letters, etc, are delivered Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)letter box
2. a public box into which letters, etc, are put for collection and delivery Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)postbox
3. (on a computer) the directory in which e-mail messages are stored; also used of the icon that can be clicked to provide access to e-mails

Word History and Origins

Origin of mailbox¹

First recorded in 1800–10; mail ¹ + box ¹

Example Sentences

So much so that Holmes had to move his family from their home because white supremacists shot up his mailbox.

From Salon

Go to the address for Cyber Ninjas’ Legal Department, listed on its audit contract with the Arizona Senate, and you’ll wind up at a rented mailbox in a UPS Store in Sarasota, Florida.

From Salon

I’ll drop my votes in the mailbox on election day — taking all the time fortunately allotted.

From Los Angeles Times

In nearby Phoenix, an arson attack at a mailbox on Thursday morning damaged at least 20 mail-in ballots.

From Salon

Postal Service mailbox full of mail-in ballots in Phoenix, Arizona was set on fire early Thursday morning, damaging several of the ballots and other pieces of mail.

From Salon