modem

1 of 2

noun

mo·​dem ˈmō-dəm 

also

-ˌdem 

plural modems

: a device that converts signals produced by one type of device (such as a computer) to a form compatible with another (such as a telephone) and that is used especially to transmit and receive information between computers via landlines

modem

2 of 2

verb

modemed; modeming; modems

transitive verb

: to send (something, such as data) via a modem

Examples of modem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Update: December 7 with performance details on Apple’s in-house 5G modem shipping in the iPhone SE. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Set, as its title suggests, on the last night of the last millennium, the movie opens with a flock of winged toasters — a screensaver image sure to trigger fond memories of hissing modems and chirping AIM messages. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024

Each satellite has an LTE modem on board, and these satellites plug into the massive constellation of 6,799 existing Starlink spacecraft, according to Space.com. —New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024

Apple has worked on developing its own modem for years, but the initiative reportedly experienced technical issues and other setbacks despite purchasing Intel’s modem unit in 2019. —Emma Roth, The Verge, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modulator + demodulator

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1984, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing modem

• cable modem
• fax modem

Kids Definition

modem

noun

mo·​dem

ˈmō-ˌdem

: a device that changes signals from one form to a form which can be used by another kind of equipment

computer information is sent over telephone lines using a modem