WordGarden.ioboxy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈɒksi/
US
- /ˈbɑksi/
Meanings
Adjective
shaped like a box, with square or bulky lines
having a hollow, muffled, or enclosed sound quality
Beyond the definition
Think of building blocks—sturdy, straight-edged, and not particularly graceful. That's "boxy." It describes something that has a shape similar to a rectangular prism or cube—generally wider than it is tall, with sharp angles instead of flowing lines. You might describe an old television set as boxy, contrasting it with the sleek curves of modern flat screens. While sometimes used negatively to imply clumsiness, "boxy" can also be a deliberate stylistic choice; think of a classic Land Rover or certain retro furniture designs. It's all about that squared-off silhouette!
"Boxy" is an adjective we use for something shaped much like a box, usually rectangular or square, with straight lines and sharp corners rather than rounded edges. It can sound practical, chunky, or old-fashioned—especially when compared with sleeker, curved forms.
In practice, you hear it most often with things we can see and feel: cars, buildings, boxes, backpacks, and clothing. For example, you might hear "She wore a boxy jacket with broad shoulders," or "That station wagon was so boxy it swallowed half our luggage." Both are using it to call out the same visual quality: a clear, angular profile.
It can also be used in fashion and design with a positive spin: a structured silhouette, maximal practicality, or deliberately retro geometry. A square-cut jacket can look intentionally tailored and modern, even if the word sounds blunt.
So if something appears built from straight edges and right angles—something that looks less like a flowing shape and more like a compact volume—it is likely to be called "boxy."
Examples
- 1
Vehicle shape
The old van looked boxy compared with newer models.
- 2
Clothing fit
I like the fabric, but the jacket feels too boxy on me.
- 3
Building exterior
The hotel is modern inside, even though the outside still looks plain and boxy.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- boxyadjective