vending machine

American  

noun

1. a coin-operated machine for selling small articles, beverages, etc.

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vending machine British  

noun

1. Also called: automat.  a machine that automatically dispenses consumer goods such as cigarettes, food, or petrol, when money is inserted

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Etymology

Origin of vending machine

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Before streaming platforms dominated at-home entertainment, consumers relied on places like Blockbuster, the now nearly erased movie rental chain and RedBox, the defunct movie vending machines, to watch newly released films.

From Los Angeles Times

“Any of you want something to drink while you’re waiting? The vending machine spit out two Mountain Dews, and I only wanted one.”

From Literature

They’d be in the cafetorium in the dark with the wind roaring outside, but safe, uninjured, with their bellies full from raiding the coolers and vending machines.

From Literature

With Anthropic, another major AI startup, you will stress-test the AI “agent” idea in the most journalistically responsible way possible: by putting a bot-powered vending machine in a newsroom.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I hadn't eaten, and the vending machine wasn't working, all those things including toilet facilities, the bright lights and the noise all impact on you especially if you aren't well," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• vendor