modem

1 of 2

noun

mo·​dem ˈmō-dəm How to pronounce modem (audio)
also
-ˌdem How to pronounce modem (audio)
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
Net neutrality has been a partisan football for more than two decades, or ever since high-speed broadband connections began to supplant dial-up modems. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2024 The computer had options for networking, modems, interfaces, printers, and a card reader. IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2024 The electrical architecture also is new, enabling over-the-air updates, 4G modem and Wi-Fi hot spot. 2024 Ford Ranger trim levels and prices XL: $32,565 XLT: $36,005 Lariat: $43,525 Raptor: $55,365 Source: Edmunds. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 19 Mar. 2024 Additional costs such as rental fees for modems and other equipment, activation fees, early termination fees and government taxes also must be itemized. Eva Dou, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024 Over to the modem OEMs now to see how quickly this technology makes its way into the radios, so the new Android software can step up its interface and controls. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 Rattner started out at Qualcomm as a modem software engineer, working on technology that measured cellphone signal strength and searched for the best cell connections. IEEE Spectrum, 27 Mar. 2024 The library computer lab was connected via high-speed ethernet, but home use still monopolized the phone line as bits were eked out slowly from a modem. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2024 OnePlus also didn't skimp on connectivity, offering 4x4 MIMO 5G and leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon 5G modem and eSIM and DSDA support. Anshel Sag, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modulator + demodulator

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of modem was circa 1952

Dictionary Entries Near modem

Cite this Entry

“Modem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modem. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on modem

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