letter-box
Definition
- Noun:
- A public box for receiving mail: A "letter-box" is a container, typically mounted in a public place or on a building, into which letters and other postal items are deposited for collection by the postal service.
- A private box for receiving mail: It can also refer to a smaller box, often attached to a house or building, used by residents to receive incoming mail.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- She dropped the envelope into the letter-box on the corner. (A public mailbox for outgoing mail.)
- The postman delivered the package to our letter-box at the front door. (A private box for receiving mail.)
Advanced Usage
"to post a letter in the letter-box": to deposit a letter into a public mail collection box.
- I need to post this bill in the letter-box before the last collection. (I must put it in the mailbox.)
"to check the letter-box": to look inside a private mail box to see if mail has arrived.
- He checks the letter-box every morning for any important documents. (He looks in the mail receptacle.)
Variants and Related Words
Letterbox (n, British spelling variant): same as "letter-box", often spelled as one word.
- The red letterbox is a classic British sight. (The public mailbox is iconic.)
Mailbox (n, US equivalent): a box for receiving mail, especially at a private residence.
- Our mailbox is full of advertisements. (Our private mail container.)
Synonyms
- Mailbox: a box for receiving or sending mail (more common in American English).
- Postbox: a public box for posting letters (common in British English).
- Drop box: a box for depositing items, often used for mail.
Related Idioms
"to be as reliable as a letter-box": to be consistently dependable (uncommon, but used metaphorically).
- Her daily routine is as reliable as a letter-box — always the same. (Consistently predictable.)
"to keep a letter-box mind": to be open to receiving information (rare, figurative).
- He has a letter-box mind, always ready to accept new ideas. (Receptive to input.)