noun
voicemail
VOYS-mayl/ˈvɔɪsmeɪl/
A system for recording callers’ messages when calls go unanswered.
The user listens to a recorded message through voicemail.
Etymology
The bag behind mail came to mean the letters it carried and then a delivery system. Combined with voice, that message-delivery idea applies to recorded speech rather than written letters.
In context
Your call has been forwarded to voicemail. The person you're trying to reach is not available. At the tone, please record your message. When you have finished recording, you may hang up.
More examples
- I set up voicemail on my new phone.
- Please leave your name and number on my voicemail.
- She leaves a voicemail to confirm our appointment.
Forms
voicemail · voicemails
Similar words
- answering machine
- A physical recording device rather than a phone service.
- answering service
- Often uses people to take messages rather than recordings.