box

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to put into a box

   Box the gift, please.

2. 2
   noun

   a blow with the hand, usually on the ear

   I gave them a good box on the ear.

3. 3
   noun

   separate partitioned area in a public place for a few people

   The sentry stayed in the box to avoid the cold.

4. 4
   noun

   private area in a theater or grandstand where a small group can watch the performance

   the royal box was empty

5. 5
   noun

   the driver's seat on a coach

   an armed guard sat in the box with the driver

6. 6
   noun

   any one of several designated areas on a ball field where the batter or catcher or coaches are positioned

   the umpire warned the batter to stay in the batter's box

7. 7
   noun

   the quantity contained in a box

   I gave my friend a box of chocolates.

8. 8
   noun

   a rectangular drawing

   the flowchart contained many boxes

Etymology

Etymology tree Ancient Greek πῠ́ξος (pŭ́xos) Ancient Greek -ις (-is) Ancient Greek πυξίς (puxís)bor. Late Latin buxisbor. Proto-West Germanic *buhsā Old English box Middle English box English box From Middle English box (“container, box, cup”), from Old English box (“box, case”), from Proto-West Germanic *buhsā (“box”) from Late Latin buxis (“box”), Latin pyxis (“small box for medicines or toiletries”), of uncertain origin; compare Ancient Greek πυξίς (puxís, “box or tablet made of boxwood; box; cylinder”) and πύξος (púxos, “box tree; boxwood”). Doublet of piseog, pyx, and pyxis. Cognate with…