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 plan includes a free modem, no data caps and no annual contracts. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 31 July 2025

Qualcomm’s most important business is selling chips for smartphones under its Snapdragon brand, including the central processor and modem for high-end devices made by Samsung. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 30 July 2025

Keyboards, mice, modems, monitors, nonrecreational software and routers. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025

The company’s biggest transaction until now remains the $3 billion takeover of Beats in 2014 — though Apple made more recent billion-dollar deals for Intel Corp.’s modem unit and a stake in Chinese ride-sharing company DiDi. —Sara Braun, Fortune, 21 June 2025

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