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

The announcement, made at a Qualcomm presentation to investors, is another sign that the company best known for smartphone processors and modems is aggressively targeting the data center market. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 24 June 2026

So, infotainment systems, 5G modems for your Wi-Fi hotspot if your car has that feature, TPMS sensors, like everything. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 24 June 2026

Home and office items such as laptops, desktops, servers, network switches, printers, modems and cell phones, can be dropped off for repurposing by M&M Technologies, which is tasked with securely erasing data, destroying hard drives and recycling electronics. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 7 June 2026

More importantly, the Pixel's modem is what enables its emergency satellite communication feature. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 4 June 2026

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

Rhymes for modem

• odum

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