doos

Doos is a Dutch noun meaning box, container, or case. It refers to any box-like container used for storage, transport, or housing of items, ranging from a cardboard packing box to a toolbox, a jewelry chest, or a small case. The term is common in Dutch-speaking regions, including the Netherlands and parts of Belgium, and it also appears in Afrikaans with the same basic meaning.

Morphology and usage. The singular form is doos; the plural is dozen. The diminutive form doosje is used for a small box. Doos appears in many compound nouns, especially in technical or practical contexts, such as inbouwdoos (install box for electrical wiring), koffiedoos (coffee can), or schroefoordose (screw enclosure). In everyday language, it can describe any physical container and is typically preceded by adjectives that specify size, material, or purpose.

Regional and linguistic notes. Doos is a core term in Dutch and is widely understood in Dutch-speaking communities. In Afrikaans, a closely related language, the word also means a container or box, reflecting shared Germanic roots. The word’s usage extends beyond simple storage to include enclosures or housings in engineering and electronics, where it denotes an outer shell or casing that protects contents.

See also. Related terms include doosje (the diminutive form for a small box) and common compound forms for specific kinds of boxes or enclosures.