box number: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, administrative, journalistic (classified ads).
Quick answer
What does “box number” mean?
A numbered address, usually at a post office or company, used to receive mail without disclosing the recipient's actual physical address.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A numbered address, usually at a post office or company, used to receive mail without disclosing the recipient's actual physical address.
1) The specific number identifying a box in a public mail collection system (e.g., PO Box). 2) A system for maintaining privacy or anonymity in correspondence (e.g., for personal ads). 3) By extension, any similar anonymized identifier for communication or data collection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'box number', but 'PO Box' (Post Office Box) is far more common in AmE. In UK personal ads, 'Box No.' is standard. In AmE, 'P.O. Box ####' is the typical postal designation.
Connotations
In BrE, has a stronger historical association with newspaper personal ads ('reply to box number...'). In AmE, more strongly associated with postal service and business addresses for privacy.
Frequency
More frequent in BrE in the context of media/classifieds. More frequent in AmE as part of a full postal address format ('P.O. Box').
Grammar
How to Use “box number” in a Sentence
Send the application to [box number 555]Replies should be addressed to [the box number listed]She rented [a box number] for her business.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “box number” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The advertiser chose to box-number the reply address.
American English
- The journal box-numbers all submissions for blind review.
adjective
British English
- A box-number reply service is available.
American English
- (Less common; 'P.O. Box address' is preferred)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for receiving business correspondence securely, especially for home-based or small businesses.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in administrative correspondence for journal submissions or conference inquiries where anonymity is required.
Everyday
Most common when responding to classified advertisements or when discussing private mail arrangements.
Technical
Used in postal and logistics systems to designate a specific delivery location within a mail sorting facility.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “box number”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “box number”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “box number”
- Writing 'box number' without the number (e.g., 'send it to my box').
- Using 'box number' to refer to a serial number on a product box.
- Omitting 'P.O.' before 'Box' in American address formats where it is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. 'PO Box' (Post Office Box) is the specific service name, especially in AmE. 'Box number' is the general term for the numbered address itself and is common in BrE contexts like classified ads.
Not for your street address. A box number is an alternative to a street address, provided by a post office or private mail receiving service.
Mainly for privacy, security, or when a business lacks a permanent physical street address. It also allows for mail collection from a central, secure location.
Format varies. In the US: 'P.O. Box 1234, City, State, ZIP'. In the UK: 'Box No. 1234, Post Office, Town, Postcode'. Always follow the format specified by the postal service.
A numbered address, usually at a post office or company, used to receive mail without disclosing the recipient's actual physical address.
Box number is usually formal, administrative, journalistic (classified ads). in register.
Box number: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒks ˌnʌm.bər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːks ˌnʌm.bɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no specific idioms; the term is itself a fixed compound)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a physical BOX with a NUMBER on it at the post office where your mail is kept safe and private.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANONYMITY IS A NUMBERED CONTAINER; PRIVACY IS A LOCKED BOX.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'box number' most appropriately used?