money box: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, everyday. Common in domestic and educational contexts.
Quick answer
What does “money box” mean?
A small, often lockable container, typically with a slot, used by children or in homes to save coins.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, often lockable container, typically with a slot, used by children or in homes to save coins.
Any container or system used for collecting and storing money, often for a specific purpose or savings. Can refer metaphorically to a fund or reserve of money.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is common in both varieties. In American English, 'piggy bank' is a more frequent near-synonym for the classic child's coin bank.
Connotations
In British English, it strongly connotes a traditional, often ceramic or tin, container for a child's savings. In American English, the image may be slightly more generic.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English, where it is the standard term. In American English, 'piggy bank' is often the default, making 'money box' sound somewhat more formal or descriptive.
Grammar
How to Use “money box” in a Sentence
[Subject] put/placed/dropped a coin into the money box.[Subject] saved up money in a money box.[Subject] broke open/shook the money box.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “money box” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been money-boxing his spare change for a year.
- The scheme encourages people to money-box their small savings.
American English
- She money-boxed all her tips from the summer job.
adjective
British English
- It was a simple money-box scheme for the school fair.
- He has a very money-box attitude towards finances.
American English
- They set up a money-box fund for the project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for a small, dedicated company fund (e.g., 'the training budget money box').
Academic
Very rare, except in historical or sociological studies of childhood or domestic economy.
Everyday
Primary context. Used when discussing children's savings, household coin collection, or small-scale fundraising.
Technical
Not used in technical finance. In manufacturing/retail, it could refer to a specific product category.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “money box”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “money box”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “money box”
- Using 'money box' to refer to an ATM (cash machine).
- Writing it as one word 'moneybox' (acceptable but less common).
- Using it for large-scale financial storage (e.g., a bank vault).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. A piggy bank is a type of money box, often shaped like a pig. 'Money box' is a more general term for any container for saving coins.
Yes. While associated with children, adults might use a money box to save loose change for a specific goal, like a holiday fund.
It is a less common variant. The standard spelling in most dictionaries is the two-word form 'money box'.
A cash box is typically used by shops or societies to hold notes and coins for transactions and is more secure. A money box is usually for personal savings, often just coins, and may be simpler.
A small, often lockable container, typically with a slot, used by children or in homes to save coins.
Money box is usually informal, everyday. common in domestic and educational contexts. in register.
Money box: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌni bɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌni bɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Break the money box (to access savings)”
- “Shake like a money box (to make a rattling sound)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOX for your MONEY. Simple as that. Picture a child putting a coin through the slot.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAVING IS ACCUMULATING IN A CONTAINER (The money box is the container for value).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'money box' in the context of a child's savings?