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
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
But Tarantino had support from Madsen, who left a message on his answering machine that night.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2025
This broad capability is similar to the smartphone, which replaced answering machines, GPS devices and a host of other gadgets and tools.
—John Schneider, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Even one year after the series came to an end, fans can still call the phone number, and it'll immediately get connected to an answering machine.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for answering machine
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.
Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
But Tarantino had support from Madsen, who left a message on his answering machine that night.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2025
This broad capability is similar to the smartphone, which replaced answering machines, GPS devices and a host of other gadgets and tools.
—John Schneider, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Even one year after the series came to an end, fans can still call the phone number, and it'll immediately get connected to an answering machine.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 16 May 2025
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 7 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share