# inbox

Pronunciation: say "IN-boks" US /ˈɪnbɑks/, UK /ˈɪnbɒks/

## Noun

1. A digital folder where incoming emails and electronic files are collected for the user to read.
   - Simple: The place on a computer or phone where your emails arrive.
   - _His inbox filled with replies within minutes of sending the newsletter._
   - _She sorted her inbox into separate folders for each ongoing project._
2. A tray or container on a desk into which papers awaiting attention are placed.
   - Simple: A tray or box on a desk where papers you need to deal with are placed.
   - _The clerk emptied her inbox at the end of each day._
   - _New memos go straight into the manager's inbox for review._
4. The collected mass of items, demands, or problems that call for one's attention or effort.
   - Simple: All the tasks and problems that need your attention at one time.
   - _Every new crisis added another item to the mayor's overflowing inbox._
   - _She treated her worries like an inbox to be worked through one by one._

## Verb

3. To contact a person by sending a message to their electronic inbox.
   - Simple: To send someone a private message in their email.
   - _Just inbox the organizer if you need to change your booking._
   - _He inboxed several clients before the meeting started._
5. To deposit an item into someone's inbox, whether a physical tray or an electronic folder.
   - Simple: To place something into a person's inbox.
   - _She inboxed the proposal and waited for feedback._
   - _Could you inbox me the final budget before the board meeting?_

## Origin

Formed from "in" plus "box".

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/inbox (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).