modem

American  

[moh-duhm, -dem] / ˈmoʊ dəm, -dɛm /

noun

1. an electronic device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from a computer via telephone or other communication lines.

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verb (used with object)

1. to send or receive (information, data, or the like) via a modem.

modem British  

/ ˈməʊdɛm /

noun

1. computing a device for connecting two computers by a telephone line, consisting of a modulator that converts computer signals into audio signals and a corresponding demodulator

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modem Scientific  

/ mō′dəm /

1. A device for transmitting and receiving digital data over telephone wires. Modems send data by converting it into audio signals and receive it by converting audio signals back into digital form. The speed at which modems transmit data is measured in bps (bits per second).

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modem Cultural  

1. A device that links a personal computer to a telephone line, so that the computer can receive information from other computers.

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Etymology

Origin of modem

mo(dulator) - dem(odulator)

Explanation

Simply put, a modem is an electronic device that changes a digital computer signal to audio so it can be carried on telephone lines. It also changes an incoming signal back so it can be read on the computer. Although a form of modem was used as early as 1940 to connect teletype machines to telephones, the word appeared with growing use in 1958, taken from its function as a "modulator" and "demodulator" of sound signals, changing them from audio to digital and back again. This is critical in computer use. Since its inception, modem speeds, measured in bits per second, or bps, have increased dramatically, from the early 300 bps to scorching speeds of USB wireless modems.

Example Sentences

For Comcast customers who lease an Advanced Xfinity Gateway modem, there’s an integrated Wi-Fi motion sensor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Designed to keep desktop PCs going briefly after an outage occurs, these extra-chunky power strips can keep a modem running for hours.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

Mizuho estimated that Apple accounted for $8.8 billion worth of business for Qualcomm in fiscal 2025, and the loss of modem share could put roughly $3 billion at risk.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

“In-housing more chip design is the most obvious lever for Apple to pull with respect to product gross margins and we think the 5G modem chip is the most likely candidate,” wrote Daryanani.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

The house was there facing south—low and square and modem looking with rounded windows letting in all the light.

From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie

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