p.o. box: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1formal, neutral
Quick answer
What does “p.o. box” mean?
A lockable numbered compartment located in a post office, to which mail is addressed and from which it is collected by the holder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lockable numbered compartment located in a post office, to which mail is addressed and from which it is collected by the holder.
A system for receiving mail privately via a postal service, often used by individuals or businesses for privacy, security, or when they lack a standard street address. Can be used metaphorically to refer to an anonymous or indirect method of communication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in both. 'PO Box' (without periods) is also common, especially in the UK. In the UK, 'PO Box' is used by Royal Mail; private mailbox services may use 'P.O. Box' or similar terms. In the US, the USPS service is officially called 'PO Box™'.
Connotations
Neutral and administrative in both varieties. May connote a small business, a desire for privacy, or a location without conventional mail delivery.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects due to the universal nature of postal services.
Grammar
How to Use “p.o. box” in a Sentence
[Have/rent/maintain] + a P.O. Box + [number][Address/send/mail] + [something] + to + P.O. Box + [number][Use] + P.O. Box + [number] + [as an address]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for official correspondence, separating business and personal mail, or as a registered address.
Academic
Rare; might appear in administrative forms for contact details.
Everyday
Used when giving out a mailing address for subscriptions, online orders, or official documents.
Technical
A specific service code and number within a postal sorting system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “p.o. box”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “p.o. box”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “p.o. box”
- Writing 'P.O. Box' without the number (e.g., 'Send it to my P.O. Box').
- Using incorrect punctuation (e.g., 'POBOX', 'P-O Box').
- Treating it as a verb (e.g., 'I will P.O. Box it to you' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'P.O. Box' and 'PO Box' are commonly accepted. Official postal forms may use 'PO Box' without periods.
It depends on the jurisdiction and the purpose. For many business registrations and bank accounts, a physical street address is often required, not just a P.O. Box.
A P.O. Box is offered by the national postal service (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail). A private mailbox is offered by a commercial mail receiving agency (like a UPS Store) and often provides a street address format, which some services prefer.
You say each letter and number individually: 'P O Box one-two-three' or 'Post Office Box one-two-three'.
A lockable numbered compartment located in a post office, to which mail is addressed and from which it is collected by the holder.
P.o. box is usually formal, neutral in register.
P.o. box: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpiːˈəʊ ˌbɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpiˈoʊ ˌbɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't judge a business by its P.O. Box (metaphorical, implying a business may be larger/more legitimate than its mailing address suggests).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'P.O.' as 'Post Office' and 'Box' as a literal box where your mail is kept safe until you collect it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR IDENTITY/PRIVACY (mail is sent to an anonymous numbered container instead of a personal location).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a P.O. Box?