glove compartment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighInformal
Quick answer
What does “glove compartment” mean?
A small storage compartment in front of the front-seat passenger in a car, typically used to store documents, maps, or small personal items.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small storage compartment in front of the front-seat passenger in a car, typically used to store documents, maps, or small personal items.
A small, lidded storage space in a vehicle's dashboard, originally intended for gloves, but now used for miscellaneous items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both BrE and AmE use 'glove compartment'. BrE also commonly uses 'glovebox' as a synonym, which is less frequent in AmE.
Connotations
Neutral in both dialects. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
'Glove compartment' is the dominant term in AmE. 'Glovebox' is the dominant term in BrE, though 'glove compartment' is fully understood and used.
Grammar
How to Use “glove compartment” in a Sentence
Check [NP: the glove compartment] for [NP: the manual].I keep [NP: the documents] in [NP: the glove compartment].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in automotive sales or insurance contexts describing vehicle features.
Academic
Rare, except in historical or design studies of automotive interiors.
Everyday
Very common in general conversation about cars, driving, and personal belongings.
Technical
Used in automotive engineering, design, and repair manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glove compartment”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glove compartment”
- Confusing 'glove compartment' with 'centre console' or 'door pocket'. Using plural 'gloves compartment'. Writing as a single word: 'glovecompartment'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Glovebox' is more common in British English, while 'glove compartment' is more common in American English.
It was literally intended for storing driving gloves, which were commonly worn by early motorists.
No, it specifically refers to the compartment built into the dashboard in front of the front passenger seat.
It is a standard, neutral term. In very formal automotive contexts, 'dashboard storage compartment' might be used, but 'glove compartment' is universally understood.
A small storage compartment in front of the front-seat passenger in a car, typically used to store documents, maps, or small personal items.
Glove compartment: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlʌv kəmˌpɑːtmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlʌv kəmˌpɑːrtmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a compartment where drivers once stored their GLOVES to keep their hands clean. Now it's where you 'compartment'-alise your small car items.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR SMALL, USEFUL ITEMS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the MOST common British English synonym for 'glove compartment'?