cash dispenser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “cash dispenser” mean?
A machine, typically located outside a bank or in a public place, from which a person can withdraw money from their bank account using a plastic card.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A machine, typically located outside a bank or in a public place, from which a person can withdraw money from their bank account using a plastic card.
A device that automates the process of providing cash on demand, often functioning as a key component of modern banking infrastructure. It may also refer informally to a person who readily provides cash (though this is metaphorical).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'cash dispenser' is common and formal, and 'cashpoint' is a widely used informal brand-derived term. In American English, the term is less common, with 'ATM' being the overwhelmingly dominant term.
Connotations
In the UK, it is a standard, slightly formal term. In the US, using 'cash dispenser' may sound overly technical, foreign, or like a direct translation.
Frequency
High frequency in UK formal contexts; low frequency in US contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cash dispenser” in a Sentence
[User] withdrew money FROM [the cash dispenser] WITH [a card][The cash dispenser] is located OUTSIDE [the bank]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cash dispenser” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new software will cash-dispense more efficiently.
- We are looking to cash-dispense from the lobby.
American English
- The ATM is designed to dispense cash in multiples of twenty.
adjective
British English
- They suffered a cash-dispenser outage.
- The cash-dispenser network is down.
American English
- He had an ATM card ready.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A secure cash dispenser network is essential for branchless banking.
Academic
The study examined the socio-economic impact of cash dispenser placement in rural communities.
Everyday
I need to stop by the cash dispenser before we go out.
Technical
The cash dispenser module experienced a fault, jamming three banknotes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cash dispenser”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cash dispenser”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cash dispenser”
- Incorrect: 'I took money from the cash dispenser.' (Better: 'withdrew' or 'got')
- Incorrect: 'cash dispenser machine' (redundant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Cash dispenser' is a term that describes the primary function (dispensing cash), while 'ATM' (Automated Teller Machine) is the broader technical term that includes other functions like deposits and balance inquiries.
In formal writing, 'cash dispenser' or 'ATM' are both fine. In everyday speech, 'cashpoint' is very common, and 'hole-in-the-wall' is a casual, older alternative.
You will be understood, but it will sound distinctly British or formal. 'ATM' is the natural, universal choice in American English.
The term focuses solely on the cash withdrawal function. Some machines (ATMs) offer more services (deposits, transfers), but all 'cash dispensers' are ATMs for withdrawal purposes.
A machine, typically located outside a bank or in a public place, from which a person can withdraw money from their bank account using a plastic card.
Cash dispenser is usually neutral to formal in register.
Cash dispenser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæʃ dɪˌspen.sər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæʃ dɪˌspen.sɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] He's a human cash dispenser when his grandchildren visit.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CASH + DISPENSER = a machine that 'dispenses' (hands out) 'cash', like a vending machine for money.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MONEY VENDING MACHINE / A ROBOTIC BANK TELLER.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST common term for a 'cash dispenser' in American English?