vending machine

American  

noun

1. a coin-operated machine for selling small articles, beverages, etc.

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vending machine British  

noun

1. Also called: automat.  a machine that automatically dispenses consumer goods such as cigarettes, food, or petrol, when money is inserted

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Etymology

Origin of vending machine

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

"That largely explains the success of these machines," said Bottos, who describes them as "somewhere between a vending machine, a game of chance and a game of skill".

From Barron's

I’m not Joanna Stern, who wants singing cars and robot dishwashers and still elected to rat out the Journal’s AI vending machine for selling fine wine and delicious live fish.

From The Wall Street Journal

WSJ let AI run an office vending machine, and it lost hundreds of dollars.

From The Wall Street Journal

I'm excited to get the vending machine fully stocked with a great variety of options.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company has also piloted pizza vending machines in airports, campuses and entertainment venues.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• vendor