beeper

American  

[bee-per] / ˈbi pər /

noun

1. a device that connects into a telephone circuit and transmits a periodic signal as an indication that the conversation over the circuit is being recorded.

2. a similar device attached to a free-ranging animal as an aid to learning its habits; biotelemeter.

3. Also called pager.  a pocket-size electronic device whose signal notifies a person of an important message, sometimes displaying the telephone number to be called.

---

Etymology

Origin of beeper

First recorded in 1945–50; beep + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Stephen explained: "Everything was geared up to the beeper going off and you being ready."

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

In college, I wrote a term paper exploring their allure and even interviewed a man who charged a dollar a month to alert subscribers via beeper whenever one started.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2023

He was armed with a beeper and a list of more than 2,000 names and numbers.

From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2022

But I have your answer: His beeper showed us the insignia of Captain Marvel, a character with a history that’s too convoluted to get into.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2018

Dad keeps checking his beeper, hoping someone will call.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson