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vending machine

/ˌvɛndɪŋ məˈʃin/
/ˈvɛndɪŋ məˈʃin/
IPA guide

Other forms: vending machines

A vending machine is a device that dispenses small items automatically when you insert a specified amount of money. If you get hungry in the waiting room at the hospital, you can get some pretzels from the vending machine.

Vending machines most commonly sell food (like chips and candy) and drinks (bottled water, juice, and soda). Typically, you insert coins, a bill, or a credit card into the machine, punch some buttons, and grab your snack from the compartment into which it's dropped. Hot drink vending machines actually prepare your coffee and pour it into a cup, and around the world, you can find hot pizza, cupcakes, French fries, and even books dispensed from vending machines.

Definitions of vending machine
  1. noun
    a slot machine for selling goods
    see moresee less
    types:
    automat
    a vending machine from which you can get food
    type of:
    coin machine, slot machine
    a machine that is operated by the insertion of a coin in a slot
Pronunciation
US
/ˌvɛndɪŋ məˈʃin/
UK
/ˈvɛndɪŋ məˈʃin/
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