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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even one year after the series came to an end, fans can still call the phone number, and it'll immediately get connected to an answering machine. Caroline Blair, People.com, 16 May 2025 Hill’s apprehension dissolved when Wooden not only picked up as Hill spoke his name on the answering machine but also asked him to visit, leading to an instant reconnection. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025 Jill had the kind of answering machine that plays messages out loud in the room while they are being recorded. Nicolás Viñuela, NBC News, 9 Feb. 2025 Beach recalled hearing a message on his home answering machine tipping him off to a hot booking at the club. Thom Duffy, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Answering machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answering%20machine. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

answering machine

noun
: a machine that receives telephone calls by recording messages from callers
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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