Breadbox

A breadbox, also called a bread bin, particularly in British English, is a container for storing bread and other baked goods to keep them fresh. They were a common household kitchen item until bread started being made commercially with food preservatives and wrapped in plastic. Breadboxes are still used, especially by people who bake bread at home. Newer ones are usually made of metal. In the past they were often made of wood or sometimes pottery (pottery breadboxes are also called bread crocks). Old breadboxes can be collectible antiques.

The lid or door to a breadbox is usually hinged, opening from the front or top, or a fully removable top. Most breadboxes are fairly tightly sealed when closed, helping to trap moisture and prevent their contents from drying out and going stale. They protect their contents from mice and other pests.

What's My Line?

The most common reference to breadboxes is the phrase "Is it bigger than a breadbox?" when trying to guess what some surprise object may be. This question was popularized by Steve Allen on the American game show What's My Line? and remains a popular question in the parlor game 20 Questions (despite many young people today not being aware of what a breadbox is). Breadboxes are most commonly big enough to fit one or two average size loaves of bread — about 12 inches wide by 6 inches high and deep (30 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm).