Voicemail

/ˈvɔɪsmeɪl/ noun

Definition

Voicemail is a system that records spoken messages when you cannot answer the phone, so you can listen to them later.

Etymology

A modern compound of “voice” and “mail,” modeled on “email.” It treats recorded speech like a kind of electronic letter.

Kelly Says

Voicemail turned phone calls into something you can store, replay, and even forward—just like written messages. The rise of texting has made voicemail feel old-fashioned, but many businesses still rely on it for detailed messages.

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