ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ATM

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈeɪˌtiˈɛm// atm Slang Vulgar

n. Stands for Automated Teller Machine. A machine outside a bank or in a shop where you can get cash using a plastic card. You use it to check your balance or take out money at any time.

n. Abbreviation for Automated Teller Machine. An electronic telecommunications device that enables customers of financial institutions to perform financial transactions, such as cash withdrawals, without the need for a human cashier.


SIMPLE

I need to find an ATM to get some cash for lunch.

CONTEXTUAL

The bank charges a small fee if you use an ATM that belongs to a different company.

COMPLEX

While digital payments are increasingly dominant, the local economy still relies heavily on cash, making the availability of a functional ATM a necessity for small business owners.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used with the definite article ('the ATM') or as a modifier in compound nouns like 'ATM card' or 'ATM fees'.

Pitfall

I need to go to the ATM machineI need to go to the ATMATM stands for Automated Teller Machine, so adding 'machine' after the acronym is redundant.

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