What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mailbox
Example
I need to check the mailbox for any new letters. [mailbox: noun]
Example
She sent me an email, but it went straight to my spam mailbox. [mailbox: noun]
postbox
Example
I need to drop this letter off at the postbox before 5 pm. [postbox: noun]
Example
The postman collects the mail from the postbox every morning. [postbox: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mailbox is more commonly used in North America, while postbox is more common in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mailbox and postbox?
Both mailbox and postbox are relatively informal words, but postbox may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with the postal service.
