ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fax

n. · v. · interj.
US //ˈfæks// UK //fˈæks// fax
  1. 1 the machine or system (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a machine that scans a document and sends it to another machine through a phone line.

    the technology or device used for the electronic transmission of scanned printed material.

    Example

    The office still has an old fax in the corner, but nobody uses it anymore.

    Example

    Before the ubiquity of email attachments, the fax was the primary method for transmitting signed legal contracts across long distances.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the medium of communication.
    • telefacsimile
  2. 2 the document (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a document that you receive from a fax machine.

    a document transmitted or received via a telefacsimile machine.

    Example

    I just received a three-page fax from the head office regarding the new schedule.

    Example

    The lawyer reviewed the blurry fax, noting that several clauses in the agreement were nearly illegible due to the poor transmission quality.
  3. 3 to send a document (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to send a document using a fax machine.

    to transmit a document electronically via a telefacsimile system.

    Example

    Can you fax these forms to the bank before they close at five?

    Example

    The administrative assistant was instructed to fax the confidential report to the regional director immediately upon its completion.
  4. 4 slang for facts (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    a slang way of saying 'facts' or 'the truth'.

    a nonstandard phonetic spelling of 'facts', used to refer to undeniable truths.

    Example

    He is just out here speaking straight fax about the housing market.

    Example

    The influencer's latest post was praised by followers for 'spitting fax' regarding the difficulties of the gig economy.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very modern, internet-based usage; learners should avoid it in any professional or academic context.
  5. 5 I agree (interj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    something you say to show you strongly agree with what someone just said.

    an exclamation used to express emphatic agreement with a preceding statement.

    Example

    That movie was way too long. — Fax.

    Example

    When the speaker mentioned that the city's public transport was failing, several people in the crowd shouted 'Fax' in agreement.

    Teacher's tip

    This functions similarly to 'True' or 'I agree' in casual conversation among younger speakers.
Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026