modem

1 of 2

noun

mo·​dem ˈmō-dəm How to pronounce modem (audio)
also
-ˌdem How to pronounce modem (audio)
plural modems
: a device that converts signals produced by one type of device (such as a computer) to a form compatible with another (such as a telephone) and that is used especially to transmit and receive information between computers via landlines

modem

2 of 2

verb

modemed; modeming; modems

transitive verb

: to send (something, such as data) via a modem

Examples of modem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
And to further limit the possibility of cyber interference, many states do not allow voting machines to connect to the Internet or even be equipped with modems. Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 In an age of copper telephone lines and dial-up modems, Internet access wasn't usually an always-on situation for a home user in the US. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 21 July 2023 The puck, which will reportedly feature a battery, 5G modem, and a touchpad, will no longer come with a lidar sensor as originally planned. Emma Roth, The Verge, 19 July 2023 But in the late 1990s, his parents got a second-hand computer and a modem. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Feb. 2024 Other major Russian cyberattacks to hit Ukraine over the past 20 months include a cyberattack that crippled thousands of Viasat satellite modems across the country and other parts of Europe, now believed to have been carried out by the GRU. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2023 On a side note, 5G modem technology is not trivial, as attested to by Apple, which continues to license and purchase Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 5G modem technology and will likely do so for the foreseeable future. Dave Altavilla, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 OpenAI’s Sora has made that problem seem as antiquated as a modem’s dial tone. Kylie Robison, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2024 This next phase is about removing layers, shedding the traditional modems of artistic practice in the context of the industry, and instead ushering in a personalized exchange between the artist and the wearer. Essence, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modulator + demodulator

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of modem was circa 1952

Dictionary Entries Near modem

Cite this Entry

“Modem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modem. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

modem

noun
mo·​dem
ˈmō-ˌdem
: a device that changes signals from one form to a form which can be used by another kind of equipment
computer information is sent over telephone lines using a modem

More from Merriam-Webster on modem

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