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Automat Meaning in English

word

ˈɔːtəˌmæt
AW-tuh-mat
ˈɔːtəmˌæt
AW-tuh-mat

Definition

An 'automat' is a vending machine or, more historically, a type of self-service restaurant where food is dispensed from machines after inserting coins. The term is now rare in everyday use.

Usage & Nuances

'Automat' is old-fashioned and rarely used in modern conversation. In the US, it usually refers to early 1900s self-service restaurants. Today, people say 'vending machine' instead. If referring to machines in general, use 'vending machine,' not 'automat'.

Example Sentences

The old city had an automat where people bought sandwiches from machines.

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She put coins in the automat to get a cup of coffee.

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The museum displays an original automat from the 1920s.

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Back in the day, grabbing lunch at the automat was quick and cheap.

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Have you ever seen an automat in real life, or just in old movies?

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The city's last automat closed decades ago, but people still remember it fondly.

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