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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
The poster notes items needed for the election: flashlights, computers, radios, batteries, modems, FAX machines, calculators, bullhorns, walkie-talkies, generators and answering machines, among other items.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Catherine and Stephen are playing things out together, from her first message left on his answering machine to her open-handed message lodged on his left cheek.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1924, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of answering machine was
in 1924
Articles Related to answering machine
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 26 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
answering machine
noun
: a machine that receives telephone calls by recording messages from callers
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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