letterboxes

A letterbox is a receptacle for receiving mail, typically installed at a residence, business, or public location. It is designed to receive letters and small packages from postal carriers and to protect contents from weather and tampering. The term covers private mailboxes used by households and businesses as well as public or communal boxes used in multiunit buildings.

History and use: With the expansion of organized postal services in the 19th and early 20th centuries, curbside and wall-mounted letterboxes became common in many countries. In the United States, curbside mailboxes mounted near the street allow carriers to deliver without entering properties; many are mobile and indicate outgoing mail by a flag. In apartment and office buildings, lockable community boxes provide shared access.

Design and security: Letterboxes come in various materials such as steel, aluminum, plastic, and composite, with features like weatherproof seals, locking mechanisms, internal compartments, and mounting hardware. Locking boxes provide protection against theft, while non-locking boxes are more common for general delivery. Standards and dimensions vary by country and postal service; some regions require compliance with postal regulations for accessibility and durability.

Other use: The term "letterboxing" also refers to a recreational activity dating to the 1990s in which participants search for hidden boxes using clues and deposit stamps; this hobby is unrelated to mail delivery.