inbox meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

inbox

noun

UK /ˈɪnbɒks/ · US /ˈɪnbɑks/

Etymology From in + box.

A container in which papers to be dealt with are put.

Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences An electronic folder serving the same purpose, but for electronic files, especially email.

Your goal with the remaining emails is to take care of them and remove them from your inbox as soon as possible.2014, Bonnie Hillman Shay, Take Charge of Your Email Inbox, page 35:

Figuratively The aggregate of items that demand one's attention or effort.

The kids, my ex, my parents, the job, bills — my inbox is full.

Related terms: mailbox, agenda, to-do list

inbox

verb

Etymology From in + box.

To put (something) in someone's inbox.

I just inboxed you the presentation.

To communicate with (a person) by writing to their electronic inbox.

And now, social media has made it worse. From Facebook to Twitter, I get all kinds of invitations. Recently a sister inboxed me on Facebook and told me that she knew for a fact that I wanted her and she wanted me.2014, J. L. King, Full Circle: Loving. Living. Life. After The Down Low:

Synonyms: message
Related terms: inbox zero, outbox