1 [count] a : a container that is made of a hard material (such as wood, metal, or cardboard) and that usually has four straight sides
▪ a cardboard box ▪ She kept the letters in an old box. ▪ empty pizza boxes ▪ the cat's litter box ▪ a box of tissues/matches/cigars/tools
b : the amount of something inside a box
▪ I ate an entire box of chocolates. ▪ two boxes of cereal 2 [count] : a container used for holding mail or papers especially in an office
▪ I'll put the messages in your box. ▪ The letter was sent to a post office box in New York. — see also in-box, mailbox, out-box 3 a [count] : a piece of electronic equipment that is contained inside a box
▪ Where's the system's control box? ▪ The cable box is on top of the TV. — see also black box, gearbox
b the box Brit, informal : a television
▪ Let's turn on the box and watch the game. 4 [count] : a small area or section of seats that is separated from other seats inside a theater, stadium, or courtroom
▪ She's sitting in the jury box. — see picture at theater; see also box seat, luxury box, press box, skybox 5 [count] : a closed shape with four sides on a piece of paper, a Web page, etc.: such as a : a square in which you make a mark (such as an X) to show that you choose something
▪ If you are over 18 years old, check this box. ▪ Put an X in the correct/appropriate box.
b : a square or rectangle around special information in a document, book, etc.
▪ For more information, see box A17. 6 [count] : an area on a sports field that is used for a special purpose ; especially : one of six areas on a baseball field that are marked by lines and that show where the batter, pitcher, catcher, and coaches stand
▪ He stepped out of the batter's box to take a practice swing. — see also penalty box 7 [count] Brit : ¹cup 5 8 chiefly Brit : an area where two streets cross that is marked by painted lines to show where cars are not allowed to stop but can only pass through
▪ The sign at the intersection said “Don't Block the Box.” —called also (Brit) box junction