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

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

Travel routers are great for families on holiday in an Airbnb where everyone can connect their phone, tablet or Nintendo Switch to the Internet, either using an Ethernet connection or a 5G modem dongle. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

What Is a Router? Photograph: Simon Hill Your router broadcasts the incoming traffic from your modem to your devices and routes the outgoing traffic from your devices to your modem. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 22 May 2026

Devices like modems, routers, and TVs are especially vulnerable to voltage spikes, even if they’re turned off. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 20 May 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