HomeDictionaryBbox

Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.

box

/bɒks/

When used as a noun for a container, "box" is a countable noun. You can say "a box" or "many boxes." When referring to the plant (box hedge), it is often used as an uncountable noun describing the type of shrubbery. In sports, "boxing" is the name of the activity, while "to box" is the action. Be careful not to confuse this with putting something inside a container.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon in a sterile open-plan office; Sarah is hiding in the breakroom.
David Smith

Sarah, can you think outside the box for these slides? Really disrupt the vibe.

David Smith
Sarah
Sarah

I'm barely keeping my head above water, David. I'll get to it.

💡
David uses the corporate cliché 'think outside the box' (to think creatively) incorrectly as a vague directive. Sarah responds with the idiom 'keeping my head above water', meaning she is struggling to cope with an overwhelming amount of work.

Meanings

noun

A square or rectangular container, typically made of cardboard, wood, or metal.

"She packed the old photographs into a cardboard box."

verb (transitive)

To hit someone or something repeatedly with the fists, especially in a sporting contest.

"The athlete trained hard to box his opponent in the final round."

verb (intransitive)

To engage in the sport of boxing.

"He decided to box professionally after winning the amateur championship."

noun

An evergreen shrub with small leaves and small white flowers, often used for hedging.

"The garden was bordered by neatly trimmed box hedges."

Examples

Just put the box in the hallway, okay?

I can't believe you left this box on my lawn!

Wait, did you actually box him in the first round?

I'll just put these tools in a small box.

Stop! Don't trim that box hedge yet!

He's always wanted to box professionally, honestly.

Ugh, this heavy box is blocking the whole aisle!

Can you help me carry this box upstairs?

Seriously? You're going to box for money now?

Related Words

Last Updated: May 21, 2026Report an Error