answering machine
nounUK /ˈɑːnsərɪŋ məˌʃiːn/
US /ˈænsərɪŋ məˌʃiːn/
A machine that records phone messages when you are not there.
I left a message on her answering machine.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A device that automatically answers telephone calls and plays a recorded greeting.
The answering machine picked up after four rings.
3. An older term for a voicemail system used in homes and offices.
Before smartphones, everyone had an answering machine in the hallway.
4. A machine that responds to incoming calls without a person present.
He set the answering machine to record all calls while he was away.