noun

ATM

ay-tee-EM

ATM (noun) means a machine, usually built into a wall or standing in a public place, that lets you withdraw cash and carry out simple banking with a card and a PIN. Example: “There is an ATM inside the petrol station if you need cash.”

noun

A machine, usually built into a wall or standing in a public place, that lets you withdraw cash and carry out simple banking with a card and a PIN.

"There is an ATM inside the petrol station if you need cash."

"The ATM charged him two pounds for a withdrawal."

abbreviation

informal At the moment; used in messages to mean 'right now'.

"Can't talk atm, I'm on the train."

How to Use ATM

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cash machine you use with your bank card.

When to use it

ATM is the standard term in American English and widely understood everywhere. British speakers more often say cash machine or cashpoint. The lower-case 'atm' meaning 'at the moment' belongs only to texting and chat.

Memory tip

'ATM machine' is very common in speech even though the M already stands for machine. In writing, just say ATM.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ATM vs. cashpoint EFTPOS atmosphere (atm as a unit)

Common pairings

ATM withdrawal ATM fee nearest ATM ATM card

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

There is an _____ inside the petrol station if you need cash.

Etymology

An initialism of automated teller machine.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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cash machine cashpoint cash dispenser hole in the wall

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ATM stand for?

Automated teller machine. A teller is a bank clerk who handles cash, so the name simply describes a machine that does a teller's basic job.

Is it wrong to say ATM machine?

Strictly it repeats the word machine, but the phrase is so established in everyday speech that few people notice. Editors and style guides still prefer plain ATM in written work.