Definition

Noun: 1. A mailing address to which answers to a newspaper advertisement can be sent: A confidential address, often a number, used by someone placing a personal or business advertisement in a newspaper or magazine to receive replies without revealing their personal address. 2. The number of a post office box where mail is collected: The specific identifying number assigned to a rented postal box at a post office, used as a secure mailing address.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Newspaper Ad):
  • Please send your application to the box number listed in the advertisement.
  • She used a box number for her classified ad to maintain her privacy.
• Noun (Post Office):
  • Our company mail is delivered to box number 245 at the main post office.
  • Remember to check your box number for any parcels.

Advanced Usage

• "Reply to Box No. 123": A common phrase seen in print advertisements, instructing respondents to send mail to a specific confidential address number.
  • The job posting stated, "All inquiries must be sent to Box No. 567."

Variants and Related Words

• P.O. Box (Post Office Box) (n): The full term for a rented mailing box at a post office, of which a box number is the identifier.
  • My mailing address is P.O. Box 890, not a street address.
• Personal Ad (n): A type of advertisement often associated with the use of a box number for replies.
  • He found the contact through a personal ad with a box number.

Synonyms

• Mailing address: A location to which mail is delivered.
• P.O. Box number: Specifically denotes the number for a Post Office box.
• Confidential reply address: Emphasizes the privacy aspect of a newspaper ad box number.

Related Phrases

• "Care of" (c/o): A phrase used on mail to mean "in the care of" another person or entity, sometimes used as an alternative to a box number for privacy.
  • You can write to me c/o my office.

Noun

1. a mailing address to which answers to a newspaper ad can be sent
2. the number of a letter box at the post office where mail is collected