vending machine

noun

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

vending machine

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vending machine¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Lucinda Strafford can be seen filling a large gold-coloured vending machine with cans of Au Vodka before taking a sip and saying: "That is so good."

From BBC

Two years later, the company behind the disappearing messaging app Snapchat tried selling sunglasses equipped with a camera in vending machines, but the wearable gadget also flopped.

From Los Angeles Times

Pointing them to a vending machine on the street stocked with Schlitz, the storekeeper asked, “How much do you want?”

From Los Angeles Times

The government is planning a new law in England to stop anyone under the age of 16 buying energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster and Prime from shops, restaurants, cafes, vending machines and online.

From BBC

Naloxone became so mainstream that in certain areas you could find vending machines dispensing it for free.

From Salon

Related Words

• vendor