This name for such a machine is attested since the 1890s. The concept of such a machine is centuries older (for more, see Wikipedia at vending machine § History).

This entry needs pronunciation information. If you are familiar with the IPA or enPR then please add some!

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

vending machine (plural vending machines)

1. An automatic machine that dispenses merchandise (often food or beverages) in return for payment (originally coins; now also often paper money, credit cards, and wirelessly via digital payment apps).

   Hyponyms: coffee machine, soda machine

   Meronyms: bill acceptor, card swipe, change slot, coin return, coin slot, flavor strip

   • 1992 September 9, Trish Hall, “Vending Machines, the Next Generation in Dining”, in The New York Times‎^[1], →ISSN:

     It is not clear to all operators of vending machines, though, that their future lies in dispensing meals, rather than snacks or candy.

   • 2023 July 26, Christian Wolmar, “Closing ticket offices to lead to 'catch-22' for passengers”, in RAL, number 988, page 42:

     Passengers may find themselves in a catch-22 situation, unable to buy a ticket for any number of reasons, ranging from an out-of-order ticket vending machine to a lengthy queue to use one, and yet then fall foul of the penalty fare regime.

• vending machine on Wikipedia.Wikipedia