Box: meaning, definitions and examples

📦

Add to dictionary

box

[bɒks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

storage

A container, case, or receptacle, usually rectangular, of wood, metal, cardboard, etc., and often with a lid or removable cover.

Synonyms

case, chest, container.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
box	In sports, particularly in British English, it refers to a small area on the field, such as a penalty box in football. The striker was fouled in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. He skillfully dribbled past opponents and took a shot from the edge of the box.
container	A broad term that can refer to any item used for holding something. Used in various contexts, including shipping, storage, and everyday use. The shipping container was loaded onto the cargo ship. He poured the leftover soup into a plastic container.
case	A container that often has a more specific use, such as a suitcase for travel or a protective case for devices. Used in formal or specialized contexts. She carefully placed her laptop into its case before leaving the office. He packed his clothes into a suitcase for the weekend trip.
chest	A large, sturdy box with a lid, often used for storing valuable items or as furniture. It has a somewhat old-fashioned or formal feel. They found an old treasure chest buried on the island. She keeps her blankets and linens in a chest at the foot of the bed.

Examples of usage

Please put the books back in the box.
She received a package in a small cardboard box.
He found a hidden box in the attic.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

A small enclosure or area in a ring where a boxer or wrestler rests between rounds of a match.

Synonyms

corner, enclosure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
box	An area on a paper or screen that is enclosed by lines, such as a checkbox or text box. Fill in the box with your name Check the box if you agree to the terms
corner	The point where two edges or sides meet, often used to describe a specific area or location within a room or outdoor space. She sat quietly in the corner of the room The cat loves to hide in the corner
enclosure	An area that is surrounded by a barrier such as a fence or wall, often used for animals or within documents. The zoo has a large enclosure for the lions Please see the enclosed document for more details

Word

Description / Examples

box

An area on a paper or screen that is enclosed by lines, such as a checkbox or text box.

Fill in the box with your name
Check the box if you agree to the terms

corner

The point where two edges or sides meet, often used to describe a specific area or location within a room or outdoor space.

She sat quietly in the corner of the room
The cat loves to hide in the corner

enclosure

An area that is surrounded by a barrier such as a fence or wall, often used for animals or within documents.

The zoo has a large enclosure for the lions
Please see the enclosed document for more details

Examples of usage

The boxer went to his corner of the ring during the break.
The coach gave instructions to the boxer in his corner.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

checkmark

To tick or mark with a checkmark or tick.

Synonyms

mark, tick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
box	A square or rectangular area drawn or defined, often used in forms or documents. Please check the appropriate box to indicate your choice. Write your address in the box provided.
tick	A small check mark or symbol often used to indicate completion, correctness, or selection, commonly seen in British English. Tick the boxes that apply to you. She put a tick next to the tasks she had finished.
mark	To make a symbol or sign to show that something is correct, incorrect, or has been completed. You need to mark the correct answers on the test sheet. The teacher will mark the essays by the end of the week.

Word

Description / Examples

box

A square or rectangular area drawn or defined, often used in forms or documents.

Please check the appropriate box to indicate your choice.
Write your address in the box provided.

tick

A small check mark or symbol often used to indicate completion, correctness, or selection, commonly seen in British English.

Tick the boxes that apply to you.
She put a tick next to the tasks she had finished.

mark

To make a symbol or sign to show that something is correct, incorrect, or has been completed.

You need to mark the correct answers on the test sheet.
The teacher will mark the essays by the end of the week.

Examples of usage

Don't forget to box the items on the list once completed.
She boxed each task as it was finished.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'boxe', which is derived from the Latin 'buxus', meaning boxwood, a sturdy type of wood used for making boxes.
Box has been used in the English language since at least the 14th century, initially referring to a wooden container.
In various languages, the word for box shares similar roots, showing a common idea of containment across cultures.

Pop Culture

In the world of film, 'Box Office' refers to the commercial success of a movie, highlighting the economic side of cinema.
The phrase 'thinking outside the box' emphasizes creativity and inventiveness, encouraging people to approach problems in new ways.
Boxes have been iconic in art too; for instance, the art of minimalism embraces the simplicity of boxed shapes to convey deeper meaning.

Science

In mathematics, a 'box' can refer to a three-dimensional shape known as a cuboid, useful in exploring volumes and surface areas.
Packaging scientists study box designs to optimize space and materials, blending creativity with practicality.
The concept of the box also appears in computer science as data structures, where 'boxes' can represent groups of objects or information.

Psychology

Boxes evoke a sense of safety and security for many people, as they represent containment and organization in our environment.
The 'box effect' in psychology can refer to how people categorize information to simplify decision-making, highlighting our instinct to compartmentalize thoughts.
Packaging and how items are boxed can impact consumer behavior, as attractive designs can lead to increased interest and sales.

Literature

Boxes often appear as symbols in literature, representing secrets, the unknown, or barriers that characters must overcome.
In children's books, boxes might be magical, transforming into things like rockets or treasure chests, fostering imagination and adventure.
Famous literary works like 'The Box Man' explore themes of isolation and the desire for personal space through the metaphor of a box.

Translations

Translations of the word "box" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caixa

🇮🇳 डिब्बा

🇩🇪 Kiste

🇮🇩 kotak

🇺🇦 коробка

🇵🇱 pudełko

🇯🇵 箱 (はこ)

🇫🇷 boîte

🇪🇸 caja

🇹🇷 kutu

🇰🇷 상자

🇸🇦 صندوق

🇨🇿 krabice

🇸🇰 škatuľa

🇨🇳 盒子

🇸🇮 škatla

🇮🇸 kassi

🇰🇿 қорап

🇬🇪 ყუთი

🇦🇿 qutu

🇲🇽 caja

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,410, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1407 comparison
1408 citizens
1409 depth
1410 box
1411 remaining
1412 bit
1413 pointed
...