Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

box4

Syllabification: (box)
Pronunciation: /bäks/
Translate box | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of box

verb

(in phrase box the compass) chiefly Nautical
  • 1recite the compass points in correct order.
  • 2make a complete change of direction:by now the breeze had boxed the compass

Origin:

mid 18th century: perhaps from Spanish bojar 'sail around', from Middle Low German bōgen 'bend', from the base of bow1

box in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of box in the British & World English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …