telemarketer

American  

[tel-uh-mahr-ki-ter] / ˈtɛl əˌmɑr kɪ tər /

noun

1. a person who sells, advertises, or fund-raises through usually unsolicited telephone calls.

   How can I avoid being overwhelmed by telemarketers and marketing mail?

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Etymology

Origin of telemarketer

telemarket(ing) ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

He broke out as a filmmaker with the 2018 film “Sorry to Bother You,” a magical ride about a Black telemarketer who excels by using a “white voice.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

But if some telemarketer or scammer calls her, Auntie will talk to them and start to write checks.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2024

Takumi Jeannin remembers a time, not so long ago, when being an agent for women’s soccer players was a little like being a telemarketer.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2023

Eventually, she quit her job as a telemarketer and moved to Los Angeles to devote herself to music full-time.

From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2023

She answers after half a ring, but it’s only a telemarketer, some poor soul on weekend duty, asking reluctantly if a Mrs., um— “Ganguli,” Ashima replies tardy before hanging up.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri