jewellery box

IPA/ˈdʒuː.əl.ri ˌbɒks/
IPA/ˈdʒuːl.ri ˌbɑːks/

jewellery box — noun

1. a small container, often with compartments or a soft lining inside, used for sto

1.nounB1
Definition

a small container, often with compartments or a soft lining inside, used for storing rings, necklaces, earrings and other personal ornaments

Example

Kian keeps his grandmother's pearl necklace in a velvet-lined jewellery box.

collocation: velvet-lined jewellery box

The wooden jewellery box on Lien's dresser has three tiny drawers for rings.

Common collocations
  • velvet jewellery box
  • wooden jewellery box
  • antique jewellery box
  • small jewellery box
  • open / close a jewellery box
  • keep something in a jewellery box
  • velvet-lined jewellery box
  • jewellery box with a secret lock
Synonyms
  • jewel case

    less common for jewellery; mainly used for CD/DVD cases, but can sometimes mean a small jewellery container

  • trinket box

    refers to a small decorative box for inexpensive or sentimental items, not necessarily valuable jewellery

Grammar Patterns

a/the + jewellery box

adjective + jewellery box

Common Mistakes

I put my jewelry in a jewel box.
I put my jewellery in a jewellery box.
In modern English, 'jewel box' usually refers to the plastic case for a CD or DVD, not a container for jewellery.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

"Jewellery box" is the general term for a container designed to store personal ornaments, usually with compartments or soft lining for protection. "Jewel case" is much more common for the thin plastic box that holds a CD or DVD; using it for jewellery can sound outdated or confusing. "Trinket box" suggests a small, decorative container for cheap or sentimental items (pins, badges, keepsakes) rather than valuable jewellery. "Treasure chest" is larger, made to look like a pirate chest, and is more of a decorative or children's storage item. Choose "jewellery box" when the items inside are genuinely valuable or when you need a neutral, practical term.

jewel case ↗trinket boxtreasure chest

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • jewellery box on the dresser
  • jewellery box on the vanity table

Prepositions

  • in a jewellery box
  • into a jewellery box
  • inside a jewellery box
  • out of a jewellery box

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchOld EnglishEnglish

"Jewellery" comes from the Old French word "jouel" (a precious object), which traces back to Latin "jocus" (a jest or plaything) — a reminder that gems were once seen as playful trinkets. "Box" comes from Old English "box," borrowed from Late Latin "buxus" (the box tree, whose wood was used to carve containers). The compound "jewellery box" emerged in the 18th century as specialised containers for personal ornaments became common in wealthy households.