vending machine

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An automatic machine that dispenses merchandise (often food or beverages) in return for payment (originally coins; now also often paper money, credit cards, and wirelessly via digital payment apps).

Pronunciation

/ˈvɛndɪŋ məˌʃiːn/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-vending machine.wav

Word forms

vending machine vending machines vending-machine

Etymology

This name for such a machine is attested since 1889. The concept of such a machine is centuries older (for more, see Wikipedia at vending machine § History).

This entry uses open data from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA/GFDL). Word forms are used for search and are not indexed as separate pages.