robocall

[ roh-boh-kawl ]

noun

, Digital Technology, Telecommunications.

1. a telephone call placed to large numbers of people by a computerized device that automatically dials the telephone numbers and plays a recorded message:

   Many but not all robocalls are illegal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of robocall¹

First recorded in 1990–95; robo- + call (in the sense “telephone call”)

Example Sentences

“I also want to encourage more families to sign up for this opportunity to return to school in person,” Bowser said on the robocall.

From Washington Post

If I’m doing some robocalls or some guest appearances, it gets people excited.

From Washington Post

New York’s attorney general said her office was “actively investigating allegations that voters are receiving robocalls spreading disinformation.”

From MIT Technology Review

That’s why I am actively investigating robocalls allegedly spreading disinformation.

From Fortune

Now, they’re using robocalls to target consumers during the national emergency.

From Essence.com

The former Republican vice presidential nominee recorded a robocall for him a week before Election Day.

From The Daily Beast