coin-operated

American  

[koin-op-uh-rey-tid] / ˈkɔɪnˌɒp əˌreɪ tɪd /

adjective

Informal.

1. Also coin-op activated by inserting a coin or coins into a slot.

   a coin-operated washing machine.

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noun

1. a coin-operated machine.

2. a place with such machines, especially a self-service laundry.

Etymology

Origin of coin-operated

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The “coffee-machine story” was a recounting of the finicky 1970s coin-operated coffee machine in his office that often malfunctioned and dispensed its entire contents from one coin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

Tucked away are three mermaid-horses, which are to scale with their coin-operated kiddie ride cousins of the ’60s and ’70s.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2025

“Gone are the days when vending machines were simple coin-operated snack dispensers,” writes Dave Berman, a co-founder of the U.K. vending-machine service company VendEase.

From Slate • Feb. 1, 2025

While in line to pay, I watch children take turns on the coin-operated Sandy horse.

From Salon • Jul. 21, 2024

There, in front of me, at the base of this long pillar of light, stood an old coin-operated arcade game.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline