lockbox or lock box

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A strong box with a lock, used for keeping money or valuable items safe.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a lockbox' or 'two lockboxes'.

   Patterns

   • keep something in a lockbox
   • a lockbox for something

   She keeps her grandmother's jewelry in a small lockbox under the bed.

   The office manager put the cash in a lockbox before leaving.

2. 2nouncountablebusinessfinance

   A service where a bank collects payments sent to a special post office box for a business.

   Grammar: Often used in business contexts: 'a lockbox service' or 'use a lockbox'.

   Patterns

   • lockbox service
   • use a lockbox
   • set up a lockbox

   The company uses a lockbox to speed up customer payments.

   Setting up a lockbox can reduce the time it takes to process checks.

Word forms

Common combinations

safe deposit box

He rented a safe deposit box at the bank for his documents.

cash box

The fundraiser kept the money in a cash box.

lockbox service

Many utilities offer a lockbox service for bill payments.

Synonyms and how they differ

strongbox

A strongbox is usually a heavy, secure box, often larger than a lockbox; it may not have a lock.

safe

A safe is a heavy metal container built into a wall or floor, while a lockbox is portable.

Word family

lock noun

A device that keeps something closed or secure.

box noun

A container with straight sides.

Commonly confused: lockbox or lock box or safe?

Practice

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