box
noun (countable)
UK/bɒks/US/bɑːks/
A container with flat base and sides, typically square or rectangular and having a lid.
Example Sentences
She placed the fragile items carefully inside the sturdy box to ensure they wouldn't get damaged during the move.
The antique wooden box had intricate carvings that showcased the craftsmanship of the era.
He found an old box in the attic filled with nostalgic memorabilia from his childhood.
During the inventory, the warehouse manager counted each box to ensure all goods were accounted for.
They decided to gift her a beautifully wrapped box filled with assorted chocolates and flowers.
After unpacking, they realized they needed additional boxes to store all their belongings.
The artist used a cardboard box as a makeshift easel while painting outdoors.
At the recycling center, old boxes are collected and processed to be reused for future shipments.
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verb (transitive)
UK/bɒks/US/bɑːks/
To fight someone using fists, especially in a sport like boxing.
Example Sentences
The two champions will box in the ring tomorrow, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic fans.
He decided to box to improve his fitness and learn self-defense techniques.
After a long day, she enjoys boxing as a way to relieve stress and stay active.
They trained rigorously for months in preparation to box against their formidable opponents.
During the exhibition match, the amateur boxers showcased their skills and sportsmanship.
He was disqualified for illegal moves while trying to box his way to victory.
She aspires to box professionally and compete in international tournaments.
The coach emphasized the importance of technique and endurance for anyone who wants to box effectively.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
An enclosed container or a combat sport move involving strategic punches.“Box” functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it usually refers to a container—often rectangular—for holding or transporting items. For example, “I keep my old photos in a shoebox,” or “A cardboard box arrived at the doorstep.” As a verb, “to box” frequently describes the sport of boxing, where two opponents spar using their fists while wearing gloves—“He started to box at the local gym,” or “She boxed in an amateur match last weekend.” You can also use 'box' more casually to mean moving items into containers—“We should box up these books before we move,” or “She’s boxing away her winter clothes until next year.” Context clarifies which sense you intend. If you’re discussing storage or shipping, it’s about containers; if you’re talking sports, it’s about delivering punches in a ring. In any use, be mindful of accompanying words (e.g., 'box of cereal' vs. 'to box someone in the ring') to keep your meaning crystal clear.
Alternatives
For the container sense, synonyms like 'crate,' 'case,' or 'package' might work, each carrying subtle differences. 'Crate' often suggests a sturdier structure (like wooden packing crates), while 'case' can sound more formal or protective. If you’re describing the action of packing items, 'pack up' or 'store' could replace the verb 'to box.' In sports terms, 'spar' can convey practice boxing, while 'fight' could be more general for combat sports. If you only want to note a quick conflict, 'duel' or 'clash' may apply, though those lean more dramatic and don’t necessarily involve fists. For idiomatic usage around being trapped, you might say, 'cornered' or 'hemmed in,' which imply limited movement but aren’t specifically about a box. By choosing the appropriate alternative—be it container, packing, or punching—you accurately match the context while avoiding overuse of 'box.'
Writing
When you write about 'box,' precision keeps your text clear. If you mean a physical container, mention its size, material, or purpose, like 'a large cardboard box used for shipping fragile items.' You could add sensory details—'the rough edges of a wooden crate'—to enhance a setting. In business or logistics documents, specify dimensions or weight limits. If referencing the verb 'box' in a sports context, detail the intensity, technique, or skill level—'He deftly boxed his opponent, weaving in and out of punches.' When you introduce emotional tension—like 'feeling boxed in'—you can link it to a character’s sense of confinement or frustration, adding figurative depth. In how-to guides, define tasks like 'Box up seasonal clothes and label each container carefully.' By pairing 'box' with descriptive or technical details, you help readers visualize the container or grasp the action without confusion. Even a simple mention—'a tiny gift box with a velvet lining'—paints a clear picture for your audience. Ultimately, the right context, modifiers, and surrounding phrases clarify whether you’re talking about packaging, sports, or metaphorical constraints.
Casual Conversation
In everyday chatter, 'box' turns up constantly—whether it’s about storage, deliveries, or even leftover pizza. You might say, 'Hey, can you hand me that box?' when organizing your closet, or 'I’m boxing up old clothes to donate.' When picking up an online order, you could mention, 'My package arrived in a huge box!' If you’re discussing fitness or hobbies, a friend might say, 'I started to box at the local gym—it's a great workout!' Occasionally, you’ll hear casual phrases like 'boxed in' to mean someone feels stuck or trapped—'I’m so busy, I feel really boxed in with deadlines.' People sometimes use the word to describe improvisation: 'I had to think outside the box to solve that problem.' In routine conversation, it’s enough to note whether you’re talking about a container or the sport—context typically clarifies everything else. The word is short, simple, and widely understood, making it a quick go-to whenever you’re dealing with packaging, corners, or punching workouts.
Etymology
The word “box” can be traced back to Old English 'box,' originally meaning a small container made from boxwood or similar material. Over time, 'box' broadened to cover any container—wooden, metal, or cardboard—designed to enclose or protect items. Its Indo-European roots suggest connotations of storing, enclosing, or shaping. The separate usage of 'box' as a verb referring to a fistfight also emerged in Middle English, likely stemming from the act of striking, with 'boxing' developing into a codified sport by the 18th century. Meanwhile, various idiomatic meanings—like 'to box someone in' (limit options) or 'think outside the box' (be creative)—demonstrate the word’s flexibility, bridging physical containers, combat, and conceptual frameworks.
