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Voicemail - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Voicemail is a digital system that records and stores phone messages when a call is unanswered. Callers can leave spoken messages, which the recipient can listen to later at their convenience.

voicemail

/ˈvɔɪsˌmeɪl/ /ˈvɔɪsˌmeɪl/

Definition:

A system for recording and storing telephone messages when the recipient is unavailable.

Synonyms:

answering machine, message bank, voice message

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

live call, direct conversation

Common Collocations:

check voicemail, leave voicemail, retrieve voicemail, delete voicemail, listen to voicemail

Derivatives:

voicemails (plural), voicemailing (gerund)

Usage Tips:

Use "voicemail" to refer to recorded messages left when a call isn't answered; avoid confusion with live calls.

Common Phrases:

"leave a voicemail, " "voicemail box, " "voicemail greeting"

Etymology:

Blend of "voice" and "mail," first used in the 1980s with the rise of telephone messaging systems.

Examples:

  • 1. She left a detailed voicemail about the meeting.
  • 2. I forgot to check my voicemail yesterday.
  • 3. His voicemail greeting is short and professional.
  • 4. Please leave a message after the voicemail tone.

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