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letterbox — A slot in a door through which mail is delivered

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: A slot in a door through which mail is delivered

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈletərˌbɑːks/

Example Sentences

  • The cat got stuck trying to squeeze through the letterbox.
  • Please check the letterbox for any important mail.
  • The pizza delivery guy tried to fit the pizza through the letterbox.

letterbox

NOUN

[/ˈletərˌbɑːks/]

A slot in a door through which mail is delivered

a friendly mail carrier carefully slides colorful envelopes through a rectangular metal slot built into the front door. The mail carrier holds several letters in one hand while pushing them through the opening with the other. The letters disappear through the slot and fall to the floor inside the house. A curious cat on the other side of the door watches the mail drop down and land on the welcome mat. A homeowner approaches from inside to collect the freshly delivered mail from the floor.  a slot in a door through which mail is delivered
💡 Concept

a friendly mail carrier carefully slides colorful envelopes through a rectangular metal slot built into the front door. The mail carrier holds several letters in one hand while pushing them through the opening with the other. The letters disappear through the slot and fall to the floor inside the house. A curious cat on the other side of the door watches the mail drop down and land on the welcome mat. A homeowner approaches from inside to collect the freshly delivered mail from the floor. a slot in a door through which mail is delivered

A letter through the letterbox is always better!
🎵 Rhyme

A letter through the letterbox is always better!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈletərˌbɑːks/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈletəbɒks/

🌳Etymology

Rootletter + box

Origin

Letterbox is a compound word formed from 'letter' (from Old French 'lettre', ultimately from Latin 'littera') and 'box' (from Old Norse 'bokx'). The term emerged in the 19th century with the development of modern postal systems, referring to a receptacle for receiving mail.

Breakdown

letter (a piece of written correspondence) + box (a container) = letterbox (a mail receptacle). The compound combines two Germanic/Romance elements to denote a specialized container for postal delivery.

🎵Rhyme

letter
better
setter

🔗Collocations

post through the letterbox
red letterbox
letterbox flap
empty the letterbox
nearest letterbox

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The cat got stuck trying to squeeze through the letterbox.”

“Please check the letterbox for any important mail.”

😄 Fun example

“The pizza delivery guy tried to fit the pizza through the letterbox.”

“I walked to the corner letterbox to mail my job application.”

📚Related Words

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