proper noun
Common
Xbox
EHKS-boks
Xbox (proper noun) means Microsoft's line of home video game consoles. Example: “He unwrapped a brand-new Xbox on his birthday.”
proper noun
1
Microsoft's line of home video game consoles.
"He unwrapped a brand-new Xbox on his birthday."
verb
1
Informally, to play video games on an Xbox console.
"We're just going to Xbox all weekend."
How to use Xbox
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe name of Microsoft's gaming console family, also used casually as a verb meaning "to game."
When to use it
Using it as a verb ("we're Xboxing tonight") is casual slang, not standard usage.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Xboxes
- Third person singular
- Xboxes
- Past tense
- Xboxed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He unwrapped a brand-new _____ on his birthday.
Etymology
Shortened from "DirectX box," referencing Microsoft's DirectX graphics technology, used since the console's 2000 announcement.
Rhymes for Xbox
See all rhymes for Xbox →Frequently asked questions
What does “Xbox” mean?
The word “Xbox” means microsoft's line of home video game consoles. In plain terms, the name of Microsoft's gaming console family, also used casually as a verb meaning "to game.".
How do you pronounce “Xbox”?
“Xbox” is pronounced EHKS-boks (/ˈɛks bɒks/ in IPA).
How do you use “Xbox” in a sentence?
Here is “Xbox” used in a sentence: “He unwrapped a brand-new Xbox on his birthday.”
What part of speech is “Xbox”?
Depending on how it is used, “Xbox” can be a proper noun and a verb.
Where does the word “Xbox” come from?
The word “Xbox” dates back to around 2000. Shortened from "DirectX box," referencing Microsoft's DirectX graphics technology, used since the console's 2000 announcement.
Is “Xbox” a common word?
“Xbox” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Xbox” have?
“Xbox” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: microsoft's line of home video game consoles.
Should "Xbox" always be capitalised?
Yes. As Microsoft's line of home video game consoles, "Xbox" is a proper noun and brand name, so it is always written with a capital X. The rest of the word is lowercase, giving the standard form "Xbox."
Can "Xbox" be used as a verb?
Informally, yes. "Xbox" is sometimes used as a verb meaning to play video games on an Xbox console, as in "we Xboxed all weekend." This casual usage is common in speech but is generally avoided in formal writing.
What is the difference between an "Xbox" and a "console" in general?
A "console" is any home video game system, while "Xbox" is one specific brand of console made by Microsoft. Using "Xbox" names a particular product line, whereas "console" is the general category that also includes competing brands.
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