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

Find it on the back of your modem, in the admin console or on your network app. —Kim Komando, Fox News, 31 Dec. 2024

Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines from Apple, including the iPhone 17 Air leak, iPhone SE camera changes, iOS 18.2 and Apple Intelligence, Tim Cook interviewed, Apple’s 5G modem plans, waiting for the iPad Mini, and Apple Vision Pro’s end of year award. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

These systems comprise several networking components: a main router, which connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, that get placed throughout your house. —PCMAG, 2 Dec. 2024

If a school happens to be less than 1 kilometer from the nearest cell tower, they’re connected using cellular modems. —IEEE Spectrum, 2 Dec. 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