Definition of box
box
orboxes
: an evergreen shrub or small tree (genus Buxus of the family Buxaceae, the box family) with opposite entire leaves and capsular fruits; especially : a widely cultivated shrub (B. sempervirens) used for hedges, borders, and topiary figures
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of box
Middle English, from Old English, from Latin buxus, from Greek pyxos
box
Definition of box
1 : a rigid typically rectangular container with or without a cover a cigar box: such asa : an open cargo container of a vehicleb : coffin
2 : the contents of a box especially as a measure of quantity
3 : a box or boxlike container and its contents: such asa British : a gift in a boxb : an automobile transmissionc : televisiond : a signaling apparatus alarm boxe : a usually self-contained piece of electronic equipmentf : boom box
4 : an often small space, compartment, or enclosure: such asa : an enclosed group of seats for spectators (as in a theater or stadium)b : a driver's seat on a carriage or coachc : a cell for holding maild British : box stalle : penalty box
5 : a usually rectangular space that is frequently outlined or demarcated on a surface: such asa : any of six spaces on a baseball diamond where the batter, coaches, pitcher, and catcher standb : a space on a page for printed matter or in which to make a markc : the intersection of two roads especially when treated as an area where vehicles are prohibited from stopping because doing so would interfere with traffic flow Don't block the box.
6 : predicament, fix
7 : a cubical building
8 : the limitations of conventionality trying to think outside the box
Origin and Etymology of box
Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin buxis, from Greek pyxis, from pyxos box tree
Other Audio Recording Terms
box
Definition of box
transitive verb
1 : to enclose in or as if in a box
2 : to hem in (someone, such as an opponent) —usually used with in, out, or up boxed out the tackle
First Known Use of box
15th century
box
Definition of box
: a punch or slap especially on the ear
Origin and Etymology of box
Middle English
box
Definition of box
transitive verb
1 : to hit (something, especially someone's ears) with the hand
2 : to engage in boxing with
intransitive verb
: to fight with the fists : engage in boxing
First Known Use of box
1519
box
Definition of box
transitive verb
: to name the 32 points of (the compass) in their order —used figuratively in the phrase box the compass to describe making a complete reversal
Origin and Etymology of box
probably from Spanish bojar to circumnavigate, from Catalan vogir to turn, from Latin volvere to roll — more at voluble
BOX Defined for Kids
Definition of box for Students
: an evergreen shrub or small tree used for hedges
Definition of box for Students
1 : a container usually having four sides, a bottom, and a cover
2 : the contents of a box Don't eat the whole box of candy!
3 : a four-sided shape on a piece of paper or computer screen Put an X in the box.
4 : an enclosed place for one or more persons a penalty box
Learn More about box
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See words that rhyme with box Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for box Spanish Central: Translation of box Nglish: Translation of box for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of box for Arabic speakers
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