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

“Have you ever seen a ‘Going Out of Business’ sign on a coin-operated laundromat?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

“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 are obvious built-in themes and parameters for artists to respond to,” Muccia said of Quarters, its name a sly nod to coin-operated laundry and its quarterly schedule.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 29, 2024

Since she works in a laundromat with coin-operated machines, she's always giving customers quarters for their dollars.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi