Definition

A public box where people can drop off letters and packages to be sent by mail.

Example

I put the letter in the postbox on the corner of the street.

Conversation

Have you seen the new postbox they installed in our neighborhood?

Yeah, it looks really nice and bright!

I wonder if it's bigger than the old postbox.

It probably is; they've been upgrading all the mailboxes lately.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Postbox → It is formed from "post" (from Latin *postis*, meaning door or gate, and later used to refer to mail) and "box" (from Old English *box*, meaning a container). The word "postbox" refers to a container for mail, typically placed at a location for collecting letters.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'box' that is specifically for 'post' or mail — that's why a postbox is where you drop off your letters.

Visually Confused Words