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.
This was in the days of answering machines. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025 Instead, the messages went to an answering machine at an off-site leasing office, Matkom said. — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 16 Feb. 2026 There are no cellphones, the soundtrack is peppered with tunes from the era and a major plot point hinges on the family getting an answering machine. — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 19 May 2026 When appealing to a congressional answering machine fails, perhaps public embarrassment is the most effective lever to pull. — Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026 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

Rhymes for answering machine

See All Rhymes for answering machine

Browse Nearby Words

answeringly
answering machine
answering pennant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Answering machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answering%20machine. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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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