answering machine

noun

1. an electronic device that is attached to a telephone and that automatically answers callers with a prerecorded message and records their messages for later playback.

answering machine

noun

1. a device by means of which a telephone call is answered automatically and the caller enabled to leave a recorded message In fulltelephone answering machine Also calledanswerphone

Word History and Origins

Origin of answering machine¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

I was visiting with Coach in his modest Encino condo when the phone rang and the answering machine picked up.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Hampton unsuccessfully sued Mr. Guare, Lincoln Center Theater and other parties for $100 million in damages for using incidents from his life in the play, and left death threats on Mr. Guare’s answering machine.

From New York Times

A telephone message left on an answering machine at Yetman’s home seeking comment was not immediately returned.

From Seattle Times

I kept the message on our answering machine for years.

From Seattle Times

"I hope you're doing OK in the heat," she had said into his answering machine that day.

From Salon