talking machine

noun

: an early phonograph

Examples of talking machine in a Sentence

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.
There’s something about talking machines that just sets Mama’s nerves on edge. — Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2017 Nothing holds back computer scientists from developing talking machines that pretend to be humans. — Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 The article mentioned a man identified only by his last name, Müller, who had exhibited some kind of talking machine in the 1780s. — Ron Cowen, Scientific American, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of talking machine was in 1891

Rhymes for talking machine

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Browse Nearby Words

talking head
talking machine
talking point
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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