signal box

noun

, British.

1. a railway signal tower.

signal box

noun

1. a building containing manually operated signal levers for all the railway lines in its section
2. a control point for a large area of a railway system, operated electrically and semiautomatically

Word History and Origins

Origin of signal box¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The organization, in conjunction with the Seattle Department of Transportation, put up maps within signal boxes around T-Moblie Park to inform fans where they are and how they can get places.

From Seattle Times

At about the same time Mrs Bain, 60, went to the level crossing in Oakham to ask the person in the signal box to look out for Poppy.

From BBC

I sat on top of the streetlight signal box at the QFC and waved.

From Seattle Times

"He noticed their equipment so he invited them into the signal box to have a cup of tea," he said.

From BBC

The union's Network Rail members maintain rail lines, stations and signal boxes.

From BBC