business machine
C1Formal, Technical, Historical
Definition
Meaning
A physical device, such as a computer, printer, or cash register, designed specifically for use in commercial or office operations to process, store, or output data.
Historically, a term for mainframe computers and dedicated office equipment (e.g., typewriters, adding machines). In modern contexts, it can refer to any hardware system (including servers, point-of-sale terminals, or specialized industrial computers) used to conduct business processes. It can also metaphorically describe a person or system that operates with impersonal, mechanical efficiency.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is somewhat dated, evoking mid-20th century office technology. While still technically accurate, contemporary usage often prefers more specific terms like 'office equipment', 'server', or 'POS system'. Its use often carries a connotation of impersonal functionality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term 'business machine' is used in both varieties but is equally dated in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, it strongly connotes older, bulkier office technology (e.g., IBM mainframes).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in modern corpora for both BrE and AmE. More likely found in historical texts, IT procurement documents, or in the legacy name of companies (e.g., 'International Business Machines' - IBM).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NOUN + business machine (e.g., *office* business machine)business machine + NOUN (e.g., business machine *operator*)VERB + business machine (e.g., *operate* a business machine)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare as an idiom] 'He's a regular business machine' (metaphorical for an efficient, impersonal worker).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in procurement, IT asset management, and historical discussions of office technology. 'The department is standardising its business machines.'
Academic
Found in historical studies of technology, business history, or sociology of work. 'The introduction of the business machine transformed clerical labour in the 1950s.'
Everyday
Very rare. An older person might refer to a computer or printer as 'the business machine'.
Technical
Used in IT and operations manuals, particularly for legacy systems or in industrial computing contexts. 'The PLC acts as the primary business machine for the production line.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A – not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A – not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A – 'business-machine' can be a compound modifier: 'a business-machine salesman'.
- The business-machine industry has evolved.
American English
- N/A – 'business-machine' can be a compound modifier: 'a business-machine lease'.
- He works in business-machine repair.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The office has a new business machine for printing.
- She learned to use the business machine.
- Before computers, offices used different types of business machines.
- The company ordered several business machines for the new branch.
- The museum has an exhibition of historical business machines like typewriters and early calculators.
- Productivity increased significantly with the adoption of electronic business machines.
- The shift from mechanical business machines to digital systems fundamentally altered the nature of administrative work.
- IBM, originally 'International Business Machines', was a dominant force in the mainframe computer market.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the company name **IBM** – **International Business Machines**. This is the classic example of what a 'business machine' is.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE OFFICE/COMPANY IS A FACTORY; THE WORKER IS A MACHINE COMPONENT. The term frames administrative work as mechanical, repetitive, and output-oriented.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'бизнес машина' (sounds like a car for business). The correct equivalent is 'офисная техника' or 'конторское оборудование'. For computers, 'ЭВМ' (электронно-вычислительная машина) is a closer historical match.
- The word 'machine' here does not imply movement or engines; it implies automated processing.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'laptop' or 'smartphone'.
- Confusing it with 'vending machine' or other consumer-facing machines.
- Misspelling as 'bussiness machine'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'business machine' MOST likely to be used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, yes, if used primarily for business. However, the term is dated and not commonly used for modern portable devices; 'laptop', 'workstation', or 'device' are preferred.
IBM (International Business Machines), which was instrumental in the development of mainframe and personal computing.
Only metaphorically, to describe someone who works with relentless, impersonal efficiency (e.g., 'He's a business machine when it comes to closing deals').
It originates from an era when 'machines' (typewriters, tabulators) were distinct from human clerks. The integration of all these functions into a single 'computer' and then into multi-purpose devices made the specific term obsolete.