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
Betty repeatedly left lewd messages on the newlywed couple’s answering machine, to the point that Dan threatened to file criminal contempt charges, The Times reported at the time.
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Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
As Dan’s relationship with Kolkena progressed, Betty reportedly left vulgar and threatening messages on the couple’s answering machine, prompting Dan to threaten criminal contempt action, according to the Los Angeles Times.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 May 2026
When appealing to a congressional answering machine fails, perhaps public embarrassment is the most effective lever to pull.
—Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
Instead, the messages went to an answering machine at an off-site leasing office, Matkom said.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for answering machine
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Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
As Dan’s relationship with Kolkena progressed, Betty reportedly left vulgar and threatening messages on the couple’s answering machine, prompting Dan to threaten criminal contempt action, according to the Los Angeles Times.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 May 2026
When appealing to a congressional answering machine fails, perhaps public embarrassment is the most effective lever to pull.
—Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
Instead, the messages went to an answering machine at an off-site leasing office, Matkom said.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for answering machine
Cite this Entry
“Answering machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answering%20machine. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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