Synonyms

answering machine

American

noun

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 British

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of answering machine

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

DiBergi finds Tufnel working as a cheesemonger in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Smalls as the proprietor of London glue museum and St Hubbins living in Los Angeles making answering machine jingles.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2025

When she got home from a movie with friends, Rebecca Hayter noticed a blinking light on her answering machine.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2025

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

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2025

Messages on his answering machine would go without reply.

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023