telemarketer

American  

[tel-uh-mahr-ki-ter] / ˈtɛl əˌmɑr kɪ tər /

noun

1. a person who sells, advertises, or fund-raises through usually unsolicited telephone calls.

   How can I avoid being overwhelmed by telemarketers and marketing mail?

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Etymology

Origin of telemarketer

telemarket(ing) ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

telemarketer

He broke out as a filmmaker with the 2018 film “Sorry to Bother You,” a magical ride about a Black telemarketer who excels by using a “white voice.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026

Takumi Jeannin remembers a time, not so long ago, when being an agent for women’s soccer players was a little like being a telemarketer.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 12, 2023

A telltale click and tinny, faraway voice heralded the most dreaded of callers: a telemarketer.

From New York Times ● Aug. 10, 2023

I hit decline, assuming it was a telemarketer, and never bothered to listen to the voicemail the caller left.

From Slate ● Apr. 20, 2023

She answers after half a ring, but it’s only a telemarketer, some poor soul on weekend duty, asking reluctantly if a Mrs., um— “Ganguli,” Ashima replies tardy before hanging up.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri