Main Entry: ²box

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin buxis, from Greek pyxis, from pyxos box tree

Date: before 12th century

1 : a rigid typically rectangular container with or without a cover <a cigar box>: as a : an open cargo container of a vehicle b : coffin
2 : the contents of a box especially as a measure of quantity
3 : a box or boxlike container and its contents: as a British : a gift in a box b : an automobile transmission c : television d : a signaling apparatus <alarm box> e : a usually self-contained piece of electronic equipment f : boom box
4 : an often small space, compartment, or enclosure: as a : an enclosed group of seats for spectators (as in a theater or stadium) b : a driver's seat on a carriage or coach c : a cell for holding mail d British : box stall e : penalty box
5 : a usually rectangular space that is frequently outlined or demarcated on a surface: as a : any of six spaces on a baseball diamond where the batter, coaches, pitcher, and catcher stand b : a space on a page for printed matter or in which to make a mark
6 : predicament, fix
7 : a cubical building
8 : the limitations of conventionality <trying to think outside the box>

— box·ful \-fu̇l\ noun

— box·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective