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.
Beach recalled hearing a message on his home answering machine tipping him off to a hot booking at the club. Thom Duffy, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2025 The next morning, Menken learned the news from dozens of messages on his answering machine. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024 The poster notes items needed for the election: flashlights, computers, radios, batteries, modems, FAX machines, calculators, bullhorns, walkie-talkies, generators and answering machines, among other items. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Catherine and Stephen are playing things out together, from her first message left on his answering machine to her open-handed message lodged on his left cheek. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near answering machine

Cite this Entry

“Answering machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answering%20machine. Accessed 8 Feb. 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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