Definition

1. Noun:
   • A self-service banking machine: An electronic device, typically located outside or inside a bank or other public place, that allows customers to perform basic financial transactions without the assistance of a bank teller. These transactions commonly include withdrawing cash, checking account balances, and depositing funds, using a personal coded card (ATM card, debit card, or credit card) and a personal identification number (PIN).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • I need to get some cash; I'll stop at the automatic teller on the way home.
  • The automatic teller was out of service, so I had to go inside the bank.
  • Most automatic tellers allow you to withdraw money in multiple denominations.

Advanced Usage

• "at the automatic teller": Describes the location where a transaction is performed.
  • She was waiting in line at the automatic teller.
• "automatic teller machine (ATM)": The full, formal name for the device. "ATM" is the common acronym.
  • The sign indicated the location of an automatic teller machine.

Variants and Related Words

• ATM (noun): The standard and most common abbreviation for "automatic teller machine" or "automated teller machine."
  • Is there an ATM near here?
• Cash machine (noun): A common synonym, especially in British English.
  • I'll get some money from the cash machine.
• Automated teller machine (noun): A variant of the full term, with "automated" being interchangeable with "automatic."

Synonyms

• ATM: Automated Teller Machine.
• Cash dispenser: Emphasizes the primary function of dispensing cash.
• Bank machine: A general term indicating its connection to banking services.

Related Phrases

• Use an automatic teller: To operate the machine for a transaction.
  • Do you know how to use an automatic teller?
• Automatic teller card: The card used to access the machine (e.g., debit card, ATM card).
  • Don't forget your automatic teller card and PIN.

Notes

• The term "automatic teller" is often used in its shortened form "ATM" in everyday conversation. The full phrase is more formal or descriptive.
• While the core function is dispensing cash, modern machines offer additional services like deposits, transfers, and bill payments.

Noun

1. an unattended machine (outside some banks) that dispenses money when a personal coded card is used