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pencil box

pencil box

1 1.0
A small box for holding pencils, erasers, and a ruler
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛnsl bɑks/
  • US
translation icon : estuche de lápices
  • He tripped over a pencil box

Examples

  • You broke my pencil box.

  • You hide my pencil box every day.

  • I moved somebody's pencil box to the other side of their desk.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • He tripped over a pencil box.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • He opened his pencil box to find all his favorite colored pencils inside.

  • She organized her art supplies in a new pencil box that had different compartments.

  • After class, he packed his pencil box with freshly sharpened pencils and a ruler.

Synonyms

box
vspencil box
1.0

A usually rectangular container with a lid for holding things or the amount it holds

is a specific container for small stationery items and often rectangular
pencil case
vspencil box
2 1.0

A small box or bag for keeping pencils, pens, and erasers

is mainly for small stationery items and usually has a rectangular shape

How Big

file cabinet
  • US
15 2.1
file folder
5 1.8
pencil box
  • US
1 1.0

Surface Forms

pencil box singular
pencil boxes plural

Morphology

pencil + box

The meaning 'a container for pencils and small stationery items' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'pencil' (writing implement) with 'box' (container). This noun+noun compound follows a common and predictable compositional pattern found across many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

The name pencil box comes from the simple picture of a box that holds pencils, erasers, and small school tools. So it means 'a small container for pencils and other school supplies'.