Mailbox: meaning, definitions and examples

📫
Add to dictionary

mailbox

 

[ ˈmeɪlˌbɑːks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

letter delivery

A mailbox is a receptacle for receiving incoming mail. It is typically found at the end of a driveway or near the front of a house. In some jurisdictions, mailboxes are used for outgoing mail as well. Many communities have designated mailboxes for apartment complexes or clusters of houses. Mailboxes can come in various designs and styles, often reflecting the owner's personal taste.

Synonyms

letterbox, mail slot, postbox

Examples of usage

  • I checked the mailbox for my letters.
  • The mailbox is full of advertisements.
  • Please don't forget to put the outgoing mail in the mailbox.
  • He painted his mailbox bright red.
  • The postman delivered the package to my mailbox.

Translations

Translations of the word "mailbox" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caixa de correio

🇮🇳 मेलबॉक्स

🇩🇪 Briefkasten

🇮🇩 kotak surat

🇺🇦 поштовий ящик

🇵🇱 skrzynka pocztowa

🇯🇵 郵便受け

🇫🇷 boîte aux lettres

🇪🇸 buzón

🇹🇷 posta kutusu

🇰🇷 우편함

🇸🇦 صندوق البريد

🇨🇿 poštovní schránka

🇸🇰 poštová schránka

🇨🇳 邮箱

🇸🇮 poštni nabiralnik

🇮🇸 póstkassi

🇰🇿 пошта жәшігі

🇬🇪 წერილის ყუთი

🇦🇿 poçt qutusu

🇲🇽 buzón

Etymology

The word 'mailbox' originated in the early 19th century, from the combination of the word 'mail', which comes from the Old French 'male' meaning 'bag' or 'pouch', and 'box', which derives from the Latin 'buxus' referring to the boxwood tree. 'Mail' was used to describe letters and parcels sent via postal services, while 'box' indicates a container or receptacle. The use of mailboxes became more common with the advent of established postal systems, especially in the United States, where individual mailboxes were introduced to facilitate the efficient delivery of letters directly to homes. Over time, mailboxes have evolved in shape, size, and function, reflecting technological advancements and changes in communication methods.