atm

1 of 3

abbreviation (1)

atmosphere; atmospheric

ATM

2 of 3

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)tē-ˈem How to pronounce ATM (audio)
: a computerized electronic machine that performs basic banking functions (such as handling check deposits or issuing cash withdrawals)

called also automated teller machine, automatic teller, automatic teller machine

ATM

3 of 3

abbreviation (2)

asynchronous transfer mode

Examples of atm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Unlike older buyers in their 40s and 50s who rely on cash flow to fund mortgages and college tuition, Philips has treated the business more like a compounding asset than a personal ATM. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 Police said the group went inside, took out an ATM, then fled in a white SUV, leaving the black SUV behind. — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Acting as a never-closing ATM or allowing the yen to remain at 40-year lows hasn’t revived Japan’s animal spirits in 27 years. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for atm

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atm was in 1975

Rhymes for atm

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Atm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atm. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ATM

noun
ˌā-ˌtē-ˈem
: a computerized machine that performs basic banking functions (as issuing cash withdrawals)
Etymology

Noun

automatic teller machine

Medical Definition

atm

abbreviation
atmosphere; atmospheric

More from Merriam-Webster on atm

Nglish: Translation of atm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atm

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