# ATM

/ˈeɪˌtiˈɛm/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/atm
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. cash machine

noun · CEFR A2

Stands for Automated Teller Machine. A machine, usually in a wall outside a bank, where you can get cash using a plastic card.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Automated Teller Machine. A computerised telecommunications device that provides the customers of a financial institution with access to financial transactions in a public space.

- I need to find an ATM to withdraw some cash for the taxi.
- The bank installed several high-security ATMs in the shopping centre to reduce the queues at the teller windows during peak hours.

### 2. at the moment

adverb · CEFR B1 · Informal · Slang

a short way of writing 'at the moment' in text messages or online chats.

For teachers: Initialism of 'at the moment'. Used as a temporal adverbial in informal digital communication to indicate the current state or action.

- I'm a bit busy ATM, can I call you back in ten minutes?
- The user's status was set to 'away' ATM, suggesting they were likely away from their terminal during the scheduled maintenance window.

### 3. easy source of money

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Humorous

a person or thing that someone uses only to get money.

For teachers: A metaphorical extension referring to a person or entity perceived as an inexhaustible or easily exploited source of funding.

- My kids think I'm just a walking ATM whenever we go to the mall.
- The local government began to view the tourism industry as a convenient ATM, repeatedly raising hotel taxes to cover budget shortfalls.

### 4. air traffic management

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Air Traffic Management. The system that keeps aeroplanes safe while they are flying.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Air Traffic Management. The aggregate of airborne and ground-based functions required to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft during all phases of operations.

- New ATM technology helps pilots and controllers communicate more clearly.
- The modernisation of European ATM systems is essential for reducing flight delays and minimising the environmental impact of aviation.

## Examples

- I need to find an ATM to get some cash for lunch.
- The bank charges a small fee if you use an ATM that belongs to a different company.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.