Fax is used for both the machineA physical device that does a particular job automatically. or system that sends copies of documents, and the verbA word that shows an action, state, or event. meaning to send a document that way. The everydayUsed in ordinary situations, not special or formal ones. verb use is the most common today.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /fæks/
Easy pronunciation: FAKS (approximate spelling).
Stress: One syllable, so it is fully stressed.
Verb only: to send something by fax.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Fax Meaning
to send something by fax
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to send a document or copy through a fax machine
Example: Can you fax me the report right away?
Synonyms for this meaning:
- telefax — A direct synonym in technical use, but less common than fax.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Fax
Meaning 2
a fax machine
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a machine that transmits a copy of a document by wire or radio
Example: The fax is still in the office hallway.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- facsimile — Technical or formal term for a fax machine or faxed copy.
- facsimile machine — A direct synonym for the machine sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Fax Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- telefax
noun: a fax machine
- facsimile
- facsimile machine
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using fax to mean a photocopier or scanner; it specifically refers to faxing or a fax machine.
- Treating facsimile as the everyday synonym in normal conversation; it is more formal or technical.
- Mixing up the noun and verb senses: a fax can be the machine, while to fax means to send something by fax.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fax mean?
Fax can mean a fax machine, or the act of sending a document by fax. In everyday use, it is most often the verb: to send something by fax.
What is a synonym for fax?
For the verb sense, a close synonym is telefax. For the noun sense, facsimile and facsimile machine can work in technical or formal contexts.
Is fax a noun or a verb?
It can be both. As a noun, it refers to a fax machine or faxed copy. As a verb, it means to send something by fax.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.