poor box

American  

noun

1. a box, especially in a church, into which contributions for people in need can be dropped.

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poor box British  

noun

1. a box, esp one in a church, used for the collection of alms or money for the poor

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Etymology

Origin of poor box

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

While Zegler and Disney declined to comment for the piece, the article quotes an anonymous insider who blamed the movie’s poor box office returns on Zegler.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2025

The Leawood, Kan.-based exhibition giant said it was considering selling the stock to offset its poor box office revenue during the first fiscal quarter of 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024

If Christmas audiences aren’t in the mood to watch a big-budget movie about Cheney, poor box office could further depress McKay’s chances.

From New York Times • Jan. 1, 2019

With the recent Fantastic Four reboot’s poor box office performance, a lot of people are wondering if superhero fatigue is setting in.

From Time • Aug. 20, 2015

Healed in both body and soul, Pedro Tercero Garcia made his way to the capital with a bundle of clothes and a few coins the priest had taken from the poor box.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende