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

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

Carvana has eye-catching “car vending machines” in key cities and offers buyers a still-novel way to shop from home for a used car, without haggling.

From MarketWatch

We sit at the round table by the vending machines.

From Literature

Recouping such investments would require world-changing developments, not simply running vending machines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• vendor