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

Besides the trademark ATMs, the company’s vending machines found at many airports made loud, attention-drawing jingles, drawing dramatic complaints and jokes from TikTok travelers.

From Los Angeles Times

The newsletter published on Dec. 31 incorrectly said that Ramp and Anduril also have vending machines filled with nicotine pouches at their offices.

From The Wall Street Journal

"That largely explains the success of these machines," said Bottos, who describes them as "somewhere between a vending machine, a game of chance and a game of skill".

From Barron's

I’m not Joanna Stern, who wants singing cars and robot dishwashers and still elected to rat out the Journal’s AI vending machine for selling fine wine and delicious live fish.

From The Wall Street Journal

WSJ let AI run an office vending machine, and it lost hundreds of dollars.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• vendor