Mailbox

/ˈmeɪl.bɔːks/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A box for receiving and collecting mail.
She checked the mailbox every day to see if she had any letters.
A public box for receiving outgoing mail, typically installed on the street.
He dropped the letter in the mailbox on the corner of the street.
A location on a computer where electronic messages are received.
I have a new email in my inbox, which is just like a digital mailbox.

Etymology

The word 'mail' is derived from the Old French 'male', meaning 'bag'. The word 'box' is of Germanic origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

check the mailbox
To look in the mailbox to see if any mail has arrived.
in the mailbox
Refers to mail that has been delivered or received.
mailbox money
Income received from investments, often referred to as passive income.

Related Words

postal service
An organization that provides mail delivery services.
letter
A written message sent by mail.
parcel
A package that is sent through the mail.

Slang Meanings

Spam folder
I checked my mailbox, but most of the messages were in the spam folder.
Digital inbox
After a busy day, my mailbox was flooded with emails.