in-tray
/ˈɪn treɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪn treɪ/ (ame, ipa)
in-tray — noun
1. a shallow container kept on a desk or work surface, used to hold newly arrived l
a shallow container kept on a desk or work surface, used to hold newly arrived letters, forms, memos, and related paperwork that come in for a particular person until that person can read or process them
Paul checked his in-tray first thing each morning for new reports.
collocation: check one's in-tray
The finance department's in-tray was overflowing with tax forms.
collocation: overflowing in-tray
Meera placed the signed contract into her manager's in-tray.
Beatrix bought a black plastic in-tray for her new desk.
Stefan's wooden in-tray sat beside his computer monitor.
- inbox
more common in modern or digital contexts; also used for email
- letter tray
broader term for any desk tray used for correspondence
- out-tray
holds completed documents waiting to be sent out
用法筆記
The word can highlight either the physical object (a tray made of plastic, wood, or metal) or its workflow function (the place where incoming work accumulates). Both readings are common and interchangeable in most sentences.