answering machine

American  

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.

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answering machine British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of answering machine

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

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

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

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2025

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.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2025

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

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2025

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

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly