letter box: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “letter box” mean?
A receptacle for receiving incoming mail, typically a slot in a door or a free-standing box.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A receptacle for receiving incoming mail, typically a slot in a door or a free-standing box.
1. A post office box rented for receiving mail. 2. In broadcasting, the black bars above and below a widescreen image on a standard screen. 3. A format for widescreen television transmission.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'letter box' is the standard term for the slot in a door or a free-standing box. In the US, 'mailbox' is far more common for a free-standing box, while 'mail slot' is used for a door slot. 'Letter box' is understood but less frequent.
Connotations
In the UK, it evokes a standard domestic feature. In the US, it may sound slightly British or formal.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English; medium-to-low frequency in US English, where 'mailbox' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “letter box” in a Sentence
put [something] through the letter boxlook in the letter boxinstall a letter boxVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “letter box” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The film was letterboxed for the DVD release.
- They'll letterbox the neighbourhood with flyers.
American English
- The broadcaster letterboxes the widescreen show.
- The campaign plans to letterbox the entire town.
adjective
British English
- The letterbox slot was too narrow for the package.
- We have a letterbox number for the flat.
American English
- The letterbox format preserves the film's aspect ratio.
- He rented a letterbox at the post office.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a company's postal address or a PO box for official correspondence.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or sociological studies of domestic architecture.
Everyday
Commonly used when discussing receiving mail, bills, or parcels.
Technical
In film/television, refers to the 'letterbox' widescreen format.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “letter box”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “letter box”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “letter box”
- Using 'letter box' to mean a box for storing letters you've written (that's a 'letter box' or 'stationery box'). Confusing 'letter box' (for receiving) with 'post box' / 'mailbox' (for sending).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'letter box' (open form) and 'letterbox' (closed form) are acceptable, though the closed form is increasingly common, especially for the verb and adjective.
A 'letter box' is usually on a private house for receiving mail. A 'post box' (or 'pillar box') is a public box, often red, where you post letters to be sent.
Yes. It can mean to format a video in a widescreen letterbox style, or (chiefly UK) to deliver leaflets or flyers by putting them through letter boxes.
Because the wide image with black bars above and below resembles the shape of a horizontal letter box slot in a door.
A receptacle for receiving incoming mail, typically a slot in a door or a free-standing box.
Letter box is usually neutral to informal in register.
Letter box: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlet.ə ˌbɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlet̬.ɚ ˌbɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LETTER being posted through a BOX or slot in your door.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR COMMUNICATION; A PORTAL FOR NEWS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common American English equivalent for a free-standing 'letter box'?