Cool MateBox
UK /["/bɒks/"]/US /["/bɑːks/"]/
Definition
a container made of wood, thick card, metal, etc. with a flat base and sides and often a lid (= cover), used especially for holding solid things
In simple words: A container with flat sides, usually made of cardboard or wood.
Examples
- I received a large box from my friend.
- Please put the books in the box after you finish reading.
- She used a box to organize her art supplies.
- He won the boxing match and became the champion.
- They decided to box the items carefully for the move.
- The box was too heavy for me to lift by myself.
- You can box your belongings to keep them safe.
- She loves to box during her fitness class.
- The gift came in a beautiful decorated box.
- He used to box professionally before retiring.
Usage notes
Use 'box' in both spoken and written English. It's appropriate for casual and formal contexts, like shipping items or storing goods. Avoid using it in abstract or metaphorical senses unless specified.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of a 'box' as a 'container you can cross', like a gift box.
Collocations
- rectangular
- square
- upturned
- pile
- stack
- fill
- pack
- pack something in
- be filled with something
- be full of something
- contain something
- in a/the box
- inside a/the box
- into a/the box
- the lid of a box
- rectangular
- square
- upturned
- pile
- stack
- fill
- pack
- pack something in
- be filled with something
- be full of something
- contain something
- in a/the box
- inside a/the box
- into a/the box
- the lid of a box
- appropriate
- relevant
- dialog
- check
- fill in
- mark
- in a/the box
- into a/the box
- tick all the boxes
- soundproof
- call
- phone
- in a/the box
- into a/the box
- soundproof
- call
- phone
- in a/the box
- into a/the box
Synonyms
- container
- case
- carton
- package
Antonyms
- bag
- sack
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'crate' – a larger, sturdier container.
- Using 'box' as a verb without context – 'to box' means to package or fight, which can confuse listeners.