Answering Machine Edit Meaning

1.

An object for recording messages to the person you call when they are not home.

My wife and I can't come to the phone right now, but if you'll leave your name and number, we'll get back to you as soon as we're finished.

2.

An electronic device which is designed to automatically answer your phone calls. People who are too cheap to get voice mail usually have an answering machine.

I got rid of my answering machine and got voice mail instead.

See Qbert