answering machine

noun
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.
Also called telephone answering machine.

Origin:
1975–80

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
answering machine
 
—n
In full: telephone answering machine, Also called: answerphone a device by means of which a telephone call is answered automatically and the caller enabled to leave a recorded message

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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00:10
Answering machine is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
LEARN MORE UNUSUAL WORDS WITH WORD DYNAMO...
Example sentences
Lower the sound of your telephone ringer and answering machine so they can't be
  heard outside.
Record the call on your answering machine, if possible.
At other times an answering machine will take the report.
It includes a ringer base with answering machine, charging base and two
  cordless handsets.
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