answering machinenoun [ C ]
uk/ˈɑːn.sər.ɪŋ məˌʃiːn/us/ˈæn.sɚ.ɪŋ məˌʃiːn/mainly US UK usually answerphonea device connected to a phone that answers calls automatically and records messages from the person calling:
She wasn't in so I left a message on her answering machine.
I called several times last week, but I kept getting his answering machine.
More examples
- He left a mysterious message on my answering machine.
- Whenever I phone I only get the answering machine - they must be away.
- The light was winking on the answering machine, so I knew there was a message.
- Some people still don't like leaving a message on an answering machine.
- I wish Mum would remember to turn her answering machine on when she goes out.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Communications - telephone equipment
- android
- Ansaphone
- answerphone
- brick
- cardphone
- cell
- cell phone
- cradle
- ext
- extension
- GPRS
- hands-free
- handset
- kiosk
- linesman
- phone card
- speed dial
- telephone
- the blower
- videophone
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