A1 noun Neutral #4,138 most common

ATM

/ˌeɪ.tiːˈem/

An ATM is a machine that lets you take money out of your bank account using a plastic card. It is an acronym for Automated Teller Machine and is often found on the street or inside buildings like banks and supermarkets.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to find an ATM to get some cash for lunch.

I need to find a money machine to get some paper money for my meal.

2

Please use the ATM located in the lobby for all cash withdrawals.

Please use the machine in the entrance area to take out your money.

3

Is there an ATM nearby? I'm totally broke.

Is there a cash machine close by? I have no money left.

Word Family

Noun
ATM
Related
banking
💡

Memory Tip

Think of ATM as 'Always Taking Money' to remember it is where you go to get your cash.

Quick Quiz

I don't have any money in my wallet, so I need to go to the ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: ATM

Examples

1

I need to find an ATM to get some cash for lunch.

everyday

I need to find a money machine to get some paper money for my meal.

2

Please use the ATM located in the lobby for all cash withdrawals.

formal

Please use the machine in the entrance area to take out your money.

3

Is there an ATM nearby? I'm totally broke.

informal

Is there a cash machine close by? I have no money left.

4

The implementation of the ATM revolutionized the retail banking industry.

academic

The start of using these machines changed how banks work for regular people.

5

Our business generates extra revenue through ATM transaction fees.

business

Our company makes more money from the costs people pay to use the machine.

Word Family

Noun
ATM
Related
banking

Common Collocations

withdraw cash from an ATM take money out of the machine
ATM card a plastic card for the machine
ATM fee the cost to use the machine
find an ATM look for a cash machine
ATM receipt the paper showing your transaction

Common Phrases

at the ATM

standing by the machine

hit the ATM

go to get money from the machine

out of service

the machine is not working

Often Confused With

ATM vs bank

A bank is the whole company or building, while an ATM is just the specific machine for money.

ATM vs credit card

A credit card is the physical plastic card, whereas an ATM is the machine you put the card into.

📝

Usage Notes

In the United States, 'ATM' is the standard term. In the UK, 'cashpoint' or 'cash machine' is more common in daily conversation.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid saying 'ATM machine' because the 'M' in ATM already stands for 'Machine,' making it redundant.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of ATM as 'Always Taking Money' to remember it is where you go to get your cash.

📖

Word Origin

An abbreviation for Automated Teller Machine, first used in the late 1960s to describe the first mechanical cash dispensers.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: an ATM, two ATMs Often used with the preposition 'at' or 'to'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many countries, ATMs are the most reliable way for travelers to obtain local currency at a fair exchange rate.

Quick Quiz

I don't have any money in my wallet, so I need to go to the ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: ATM

More Travel words

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A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along metal tracks to carry people or goods from one place to another. It usually consists of an engine and several carriages or wagons.

taxi

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A car with a driver that you pay to take you exactly where you want to go. It usually has a sign on top and a meter inside to calculate the cost of the trip.

subway

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A subway is an underground electric railway system used for transporting passengers in a city. It provides a fast way to travel long distances while avoiding street-level traffic.

bicycle

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A vehicle with two wheels that you sit on and move by pushing pedals with your feet. It is a popular form of transportation for short distances and a common way to exercise.

motorcycle

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A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels that is powered by an engine. It is used for fast travel and usually carries one or two people.

backpack

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A bag with shoulder straps that allows you to carry items on your back, leaving your hands free. It is commonly used by students for school or by travelers and hikers to carry their belongings.

map

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A map is a visual representation or drawing of an area, such as a city, country, or the entire world. It shows physical features like roads, rivers, and landmarks to help people find locations or navigate from one place to another.

passenger

A1

A passenger is a person who travels in a vehicle, such as a car, bus, train, or airplane, but is not driving it or working on it. They usually pay a fare or have a ticket to travel from one place to another.

hostel

A1

A budget-friendly type of accommodation where guests usually rent a bed in a shared room (dormitory) and share common facilities like a kitchen or lounge. It is popular among students, backpackers, and young travelers looking for an affordable way to stay in a city.

reservation

A1

A reservation is an arrangement you make in advance to keep a seat, a table, or a room for yourself. It ensures that you have a place when you arrive at a hotel, restaurant, or on a train.

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