Box

English Meaning

A tree or shrub, flourishing in different parts of the world. The common box (Buxus sempervirens) has two varieties, one of which, the dwarf box (B. suffruticosa), is much used for borders in gardens. The wood of the tree varieties, being very hard and smooth, is extensively used in the arts, as by turners, engravers, mathematical instrument makers, etc.

1. A container typically constructed with four sides perpendicular to the base and often having a lid or cover.
2. The amount or quantity that such a container can hold.
3. A square or rectangle: Draw a box around your answer.
4. A separated compartment in a public place of entertainment, such as a theater or stadium, for the accommodation of a small group.
5. An area of a public place, such as a courtroom or stadium, marked off and restricted for use by persons performing a specific function: a jury box.
6. A small structure serving as a shelter: a sentry box.
7. Chiefly British A small country house used as a sporting lodge: a shooting box.
8. A box stall.
9. The raised seat for the driver of a coach or carriage.
10. Baseball An area on a diamond marked by lines designating where the batter may stand.
11. Baseball Any of various designated areas for other team members, such as the pitcher, catcher, and coaches.
12. Sports A penalty box.
13. Printing Featured printed matter enclosed by hairlines, a border, or white space and placed within or between text columns.
14. A hollow made in the side of a tree for the collection of sap.
15. A post office box.
16. An inbox.
17. An outbox.
18. An insulating, enclosing, or protective casing or part in a machine.
19. A signaling device enclosed in a casing: an alarm box.
20. A cable box.
21. Informal A television.
22. A very large portable radio.
23. Chiefly British A gift or gratuity, especially one given at Christmas.
24. An awkward or perplexing situation; a predicament.
25. Vulgar Slang The vulva and the vagina.
26. To pack in a box.
27. To confine in or as if in a box.
28. To border or enclose with or as if with a box: Key sections of the report are boxed off.
29. To provide a housing or case for (a machine part, for example).
30. To limit the activity or influence of by or as if by creating a restrictive structure or outlining a territory: The legislature was boxed in by its earlier decisions.
31. Sports To block (a competitor or opponent) from advancing, especially to hinder an opponent from getting a rebound in basketball by placing oneself between the opponent and the basket: was boxed out by the tallest player on the team; was boxed in on the homestretch.
32. Nautical To boxhaul.
33. To cut a hole in (a tree) for the collection of sap.
34. To blend (paint) by pouring alternately between two containers.
35. To change the shape of (a structure, such as a wall) by applying lath and plaster or boarding.
36. box the compass To name the 32 points of the compass in proper order.
37. box the compass To make a complete revolution or reversal.
38. in a box Informal In a very difficult or restrictive situation.
39. A slap or blow with the hand or fist: a box on the ear.
40. To hit with the hand or fist.
41. Sports To take part in a boxing match with.
42. To fight with the fists or in a boxing match.
43. Any of several evergreen shrubs or trees of the genus Buxus, especially the Eurasian species B. sempervirens, having opposite, leathery, simple leaves and clusters of unisexual flowers. It is widely grown as a hedge plant.
44. The hard, light yellow wood of these plants, used to make musical instruments, rulers, inlays, and engraving blocks.
45. Any of several other shrubs or trees with similar foliage or timber.