post office box

American  

[pohst-aw-fis boks, of-is] / ˈpoʊstˌɔ fɪs ˌbɒks, ˌɒf ɪs /

Also P.O. box or post-office box

noun

1. a small, locked compartment, usually in a post office, into which the mail of a box renter is put to be called for. POB, P.O.B.

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post office box British  

noun

1. a private numbered place in a post office, in which letters received are kept until called for

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Etymology

Origin of post office box

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Residents will keep their post office box numbers and continue to pick up mail at the post office.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

Voting by mail also presents a challenge because many reservation residents do not receive mail service at their home addresses and may use a shared post office box.

From Salon • Oct. 14, 2024

But there will be no price increase for post office box rentals, and postal insurance will be reduced by 10% when items are mailed, the postal service said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2024

Also increasing would be the cost of domestic and international postcards, one-ounce international letters, certified mail, post office box rentals, money order fees and mailing insurance.

From Washington Times • Apr. 10, 2023

Liyana begged Poppy to pass by their new post office box often to see if she had received any letters from home.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye