How Do You Spell PILLARBOX?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪlɑːbˌɒks] (IPA)

The word "pillarbox" is spelled with two Ls and one I. The first syllable is pronounced with a short I sound, as in "ill", while the second syllable is pronounced with a long A sound, as in "bay". The double L in the middle of the word represents a voiced alveolar lateral sound, pronounced by placing the tongue behind the upper front teeth and allowing air to flow out over the sides of the tongue. The phonetic transcription of "pillarbox" is /ˈpɪlərbɒks/.

PILLARBOX Meaning and Definition

1. A pillarbox, also known as a mailbox or letterbox, refers to a free-standing, usually red-colored, postbox where individuals can deposit outgoing mail. It serves as a point of collection for letters and small packages to be transported by the postal service. Pillarboxes are typically constructed from metal, offering durability and protection against weather conditions. They are designed with a rectangular or cylindrical shape, featuring a hinged door on the front for easy access.

   The interior of a pillarbox contains a horizontal shelf, known as the posting aperture, which holds the accumulated mail until it is retrieved by the postal workers. The posting aperture is often adorned with a slot or flap that allows letters to be inserted while providing minimal exposure to external elements. Furthermore, pillarboxes generally possess a lock or seal mechanism to secure the contents from unauthorized access and theft.

   Originating from the British Royal Mail's standardization efforts, pillarboxes have become synonymous with the postal system and are found on street corners, outside buildings, or in dedicated post offices worldwide. Although traditionally associated with red, modern pillarboxes can be found in various colors depending on the region and postal service. Notably, the term "pillarbox" is derived from the resemblance of these mailboxes to pillars due to their vertical structure and durability, symbolizing the stability and reliability of the postal system.

Common Misspellings for PILLARBOX

• oillarbox
• lillarbox
• -illarbox
• 0illarbox
• pullarbox
• pjllarbox
• pkllarbox
• pollarbox
• p9llarbox
• p8llarbox
• piklarbox
• piplarbox
• piolarbox
• pilkarbox
• pilparbox
• piloarbox
• pillzrbox
• pillsrbox
• pillwrbox
• pillqrbox

Etymology of PILLARBOX

The word "pillarbox" comes from the combination of two separate words: "pillar" and "box". "Pillar" is derived from the Latin word "pila", which means "column" or "pillar". "Box" refers to a container or receptacle for holding or storing something.

The term "pillarbox" specifically refers to a type of free-standing, pillar-like structure that is used to house a public letterbox or mailbox. These structures originated in the United Kingdom and were initially made of cast iron in the 19th century. The name "pillarbox" directly describes the appearance and function of this type of mailbox, combining the words for the upright support structure (pillar) and the container for mail (box).