voicemail

noun

voice·​mail ˈvȯis-ˌmāl How to pronounce voicemail (audio)
variants or less commonly voice mail or voice-mail
plural voicemails also voice mails or voice-mails
1
: an electronic communication system in which spoken messages are recorded or digitized and stored for later playback by the intended recipient
left a message on the company's voicemail
let the call go to voicemail
I tried calling him twice but I only got his voicemail.
Most vehicles are equipped with hands-free technology for cellphones. However, hands-free does not mean distraction-free. Silence the unit while driving or set up an auto-response that sends calls directly to voicemail.Kevin Martin
a voice-mail system
voice-mail messages
2
a
: messages received through a voicemail system
checking her voicemail
b
: a voicemail message
listening to a voicemail

Examples of voicemail in a Sentence

Just leave a message on my voice mail. I left her a voice mail. You have two new voice mails.
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.
State police in Texas alleged Shry left a phone threat in July 2023 on the voicemail systems of two Houston-area state senators. CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026 Georgetown High School was evacuated Wednesday morning after a bomb threat was levied against the school via voicemail, police said. Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026 In the future 2015 timeline, Evan and Lucy sleeping together is still a secret, until Stephen tells Bree in the voicemail. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 Judge Griggsby did not respond to a message left on her voicemail in chambers Tuesday afternoon. Carrie Johnson, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026 Jennings did not respond to a voicemail and message seeking comment. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 The company was also barraged with complaints about high prices via voicemails and emails. Dave Lozo, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026 Court documents alleged that a manager reported an employee named Jose Ramirez to police and provided the same number associated with the threatening texts and voicemail sent to the FBI agent. Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026 Neighbors insist that Wells sent the mayor emails, voicemails and reached out on social media. Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of voicemail was in 1980

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Voicemail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voicemail. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

voice mail

noun
: an electronic communication system in which spoken messages are recorded for later playback to the intended recipient
also : such a message
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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