mailbox

UK: /ˈmeɪlbɒks/ US: /ˈmeɪlˌbɑks/ ,(māl′boks′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

mail•box /ˈmeɪlˌbɑks/   n. [countable]

1. a public box in which mail is placed for pickup.
2. a private box into which mail is delivered.
3. Computing a file in a computer for the storage of electronic mail.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

mail•box  (māl′boks′), n. 

1. a public box in which mail is placed for pickup and delivery by the post office.
2. a private box, as at a home, into which mail is delivered by the mail carrier.
3. Computing a file for storing electronic mail.

• mail¹ + box¹ 1800–10

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

mailbox / ˈmeɪlˌbɒks/ noun

1. a slot, usually covered with a hinged flap, through which letters, etc are delivered to a building
2. a private box into which letters, etc, are delivered
   Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): letter box
3. (on a computer) the directory in which email messages are stored; also used of the icon that can be clicked to provide access to emails