answering machine

noun

1. an electronic device that is attached to a telephone and that automatically answers callers with a prerecorded message and records their messages for later playback.

answering machine

noun

1. Also called: answerphone. In full: telephone answering machine. a device by means of which a telephone call is answered automatically and the caller enabled to leave a recorded message

Word History and Origins

Origin of answering machine¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

In Michael’s apartment, the Rosarios’ answering machine blinked with a single message.

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Jeff adopted a stern, fatherly tone with his mom, which the documentary illustrates with the missives he left on her answering machine.

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Hill’s apprehension dissolved when Wooden not only picked up as Hill spoke his name on the answering machine but also asked him to visit, leading to an instant reconnection.

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Maybe you’d meet somebody out, remotely checking the answering machine plugged into your landline for messages.

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Her answering machine message was recorded in the style of Snow.

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