Search Dictionary
Definition of answerphone

answerphone

/ˈænsərfoʊn/
an · swer · phone
Plural:answerphones
JUMP TO:

answerphone Lexical Profile

answerphone Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British An electronic device connected to a telephone that automatically answers incoming calls, plays a pre-recorded greeting, and records messages left by callers.

Example

"When nobody picked up at the office, I left a brief message on their answerphone."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for answerphone

• Nearby Words

answer
answerable
answerer
answerphone
ant
antacid
antagonism

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century as a compound of 'answer' and 'phone', originally introduced as a British trademark for an automatic telephone answering machine before passing into general British usage.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Answerphone. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/answerphone
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.