box in
phrasal verb
boxed in; boxing in; boxes in
: to surround (someone or something) and make movement difficult
The other bicyclists boxed her in and she couldn't move ahead.
—usually used as (be) boxed inWe were boxed in and couldn't get out of our parking space.
—sometimes used figurativelyI feel boxed in by all these rules.
Examples of box in in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the American team took it a step further by creating a multiday Times Square activation, with an opaque box in the New York location in place since Friday.
—
Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Be sure to remove any additional materials like tape, labels, or staples before using boxes in your garden, as these items will not break down in the soil.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
But instead of succeeding in her quest, Hedda ends up boxed in by her own scheme.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Realizing he was boxed in, Chilton stepped to the side, unzipped, and relieved himself mid-song.
—Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for box in
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Be sure to remove any additional materials like tape, labels, or staples before using boxes in your garden, as these items will not break down in the soil.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
But instead of succeeding in her quest, Hedda ends up boxed in by her own scheme.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Realizing he was boxed in, Chilton stepped to the side, unzipped, and relieved himself mid-song.
—Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for box in
Cite this Entry
“Box in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/box%20in. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
