Search Dictionary
Definition of poorbox

poorbox

/ˈpɔːrˌbɑːks/
poor · box
Plural:poorboxes
JUMP TO:

poorbox Lexical Profile

poorbox Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A locked box or receptacle, traditionally located in a church or public place, used for collecting charitable monetary donations for the impoverished.

Example

"After the Sunday service, several parishioners quietly dropped coins into the wooden poorbox near the sanctuary exit."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for poorbox

• Rhymes for poorbox

• Nearby Words

ponzu
poodle
pool
poorbox
poorwill
pop-tart
popcorn

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'poor' and 'box', dating back to the late Middle English period, referring to the historical practice of maintaining locked wooden boxes in churches to collect charitable alms.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Poorbox. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 19, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/poorbox
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.