answering machine

noun

: a machine that receives telephone calls by playing a recorded message and usually by recording messages from callers

Examples of answering machine in a Sentence

I haven't spoken to him yet, but he left a message on my answering machine.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
My mom telling me [on the answering machine] to 'pick up, pick up' because my grandpa had had a heart attack. Elizabeth Leonard, Peoplemag, 14 Aug. 2024 Using a trove of letters, photos, VHS tapes, Super 8 movies, and even answering machine messages, Caouette sifts through past trauma to better understand his mother, Renee, who has long struggled with mental illness in the wake of electroshock therapy. Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024 Jarvis agreed to press charges, and the family’s answering machine filled up with messages consisting of nothing but loud barking. Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 21 June 2024 As a reporter was leaving a message on her answering machine, O’Dell picked up. Jon Schuppe, NBC News, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for answering machine 

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of answering machine was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near answering machine

Cite this Entry

“Answering machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answering%20machine. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

answering machine

noun
: a machine that receives telephone calls by recording messages from callers
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