answering machine — an electronic device that automatically answers telephone calls and records messages from callers
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an electronic device that automatically answers telephone calls and records messages from callers
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈænsərɪŋ məˈʃiːn/
Example Sentences
- My mom still uses an answering machine from 1995 that sounds like a robot having a breakdown.
- The answering machine beeped 47 times - apparently, everyone called during my two-hour nap.
- Please leave your name and number after the beep, and I'll get back to you when I'm not avoiding everyone.
answering machine
NOUN[/ˈænsərɪŋ məˈʃiːn/]
an electronic device that automatically answers telephone calls and records messages from callers
He left a long rambling message on her answering machine at midnight.
Stop wandering, your answering machine is calling
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This compound term emerged in the mid-20th century to describe a device developed to handle unanswered telephone calls. 'Answering' derives from Old English 'andswaru' (answer, reply), while 'machine' comes from Latin 'machina' (device, engine), itself borrowed from Greek 'mechane'.
Breakdown
answering (present participle of 'answer', from Old English 'andswaru' meaning to respond) + machine (from Latin 'machina', denoting a mechanical device or apparatus).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom still uses an answering machine from 1995 that sounds like a robot having a breakdown.”
“The answering machine beeped 47 times - apparently, everyone called during my two-hour nap.”
“Please leave your name and number after the beep, and I'll get back to you when I'm not avoiding everyone.”
“The answering machine is essential for screening unwanted calls from telemarketers.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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