modem

1 of 2

noun

mo·​dem ˈmō-dəm 

also

-ˌdem 

plural modems

: a device that converts signals produced by one type of device (such as a computer) to a form compatible with another (such as a telephone) and that is used especially to transmit and receive information between computers via landlines

modem

2 of 2

verb

modemed; modeming; modems

transitive verb

: to send (something, such as data) via a modem

Examples of modem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Qualcomm also sells modems and related chips to Apple for its iPhones, and last year said its contract for 5G chips ran through 2026. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024

To further limit the possibility of cyber interference, many states do not allow voting machines to connect to the Internet or even be equipped with modems. —Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

This requires new modem software working closely with the Android 15 OS, and isn’t even available on the Pixel 9 as yet, despite turning up in a beta realise of the new firmware by mistake. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

What companies were around in 1993 that had multiple dedicated phone lines and server hardware and the appropriate modem software? —Jeremy Reimer, Ars Technica, 29 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modulator + demodulator

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1984, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing modem

• cable modem
• fax modem

Kids Definition

modem

noun

mo·​dem

ˈmō-ˌdem

: a device that changes signals from one form to a form which can be used by another kind of equipment

computer information is sent over telephone lines using a modem