bandbox
bandbox Lexical Profile
bandbox Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A lightweight box, typically made of cardboard or thin wood, traditionally used for holding hats, collars, or neckbands.
"She carefully lifted the delicate silk hat from its antique, floral-patterned bandbox."
American A structure, space, or building that is notably small or confined, often used to refer to a small baseball stadium where home runs are easily hit.
"The old minor league stadium was a true bandbox where routine fly balls frequently cleared the outfield fences."
Word Nuance & Usage
Today, the word is most frequently encountered in the idiom 'to look as if one stepped out of a bandbox,' describing someone who is immaculately dressed and groomed.
• Rhymes for bandbox
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in the early 17th century as a lightweight box made of cardboard or thin wood, specifically designed to hold delicate neckbands and ruffs popular at the time, and later adapted for storing hats.