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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But after winning just six games the next two seasons, AD Mike Garrett left a message on the coach’s answering machine informing him he was fired. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 After the other planes crashed into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Lyles left her husband, Lorne, a voicemail on his answering machine, according to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025 Days later, DeGeneres left a message on his answering machine: His material was good. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025 On its website, the company claims to have introduced everything from the pop-up toaster in 1930 to the telephone answering machine in 1968, among other notable rollouts. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for answering machine

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of answering machine was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Answering machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answering%20machine. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

answering machine

noun
: a machine that receives telephone calls by recording messages from callers
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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