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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Some have never seen or used a fax or a 56K modem—both of which are essential to the job at hand and our digital transformation technology. — Timor Brik, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 And most companies would send gear for owners to set up themselves, and, well, some of the restaurant operators Lam knew couldn’t log in to Facebook, let alone navigate plugs and modems and cables with IKEA-like instructions. — Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 14 Aug. 2026 Researchers gained silent, total control over devices without any user interaction simply by exploiting the SIM-to-modem interface. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026 Detective William Roecker testified that cell-tower records tracking Burke’s phone and the modem in his Tesla showed the phone and car traveling together from his home to a remote area of Santa Barbara County three times after the alleged murder. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for modem

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

Phrases Containing modem

Rhymes for modem

See All Rhymes for modem

Browse Nearby Words

Model T
modem
Modena
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Cite this Entry

“Modem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modem. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about modem

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