How to pronounce mailbox
Say it like MAYL-bahks. Mailbox has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAYL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mailbox. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAYL
- bahks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mailbox pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MAYLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- bahksGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of mailbox
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: MAYL-boks.
What does mailbox mean?
- A collection point for mail intended for onward delivery, a secure box or receptacle for this purpose.
- A delivery point for mail, a box, compartment or slot for this purpose.
- A folder or account for the storage of email; an electronic inbox or mailstore.
Where does mailbox come from?
From mail + box.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- letterbox
Questions about saying mailbox
How do you pronounce mailbox?
Say MAYL-bahks. The American pronunciation is /ˈmeɪlˌbɑks/. In British English it is /ˈmeɪlˌbɒks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mailbox?
Mailbox has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAYL). Broken into parts: MAYL · bahks.
Is mailbox pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈmeɪlˌbɒks/ (MAYL-boks).