answering machine

noun

Definition of answering machine

: 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 My father called the network and railed into the void of a megacorporation answering machine. — Cynthia Greenlee, Harper's BAZAAR, 17 Sep. 2021 Mark McGrath calls his ex, gets her answering machine, begs her to come back. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2021 An emergency dispatcher then called the woman but got her answering machine. — NBC News, 19 Aug. 2021 Jamie's answering machine recording sounded like a snowglobe or music box was in the background. — Rosie Knight, refinery29.com, 1 June 2021 The Pullman police left a message on Pooneh Entezari’s answering machine on the morning of May 1, 1989. — oregonlive, 6 July 2021 Taylor and his mother left Donlan multiple messages on his answering machine the day after the killing before Taylor called 911 in what prosecutors said was a ruse to cover up his involvement. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland, 26 May 2021 Tommy had an answering machine, but was always indifferent to the messages left on the machine for McCarthy. — John Tamny, Forbes, 20 May 2021 The day after the killing, prosecutors said Taylor tried to cover his tracks by leaving voicemails on Donlan’s answering machine expressing concern for his well-being. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland, 12 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'answering machine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

24 Sep 2021

Cite this Entry

“Answering machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answering%20machine. Accessed 15 Oct. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA